Seattle Reign FC Legend: Polly Olsen – Director of DEAI & Decolonization and Tribal Liaison at Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

The Legends Campaign, a partnership between Seattle Reign FC and Starbucks, honors women for their extraordinary contributions to our community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Prior to Seattle Reign FC’s match against Bay FC, the club recognized Polly Olsen, Director of DEAI & Decolonization and Tribal Liaison at Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.

A staple in the community, Olsen has over 20 years of experience at the University of Washington, through her work at the School of Medicine’s Native American Center of Excellence and Indigenous Wellness Research Institute. 

She began as an advisor to the wɝɫ̝bʔaltxʷ project and worked at the Native American Centre of Excellence and Indigenous Wellness Research Institute at the School of Medicine, before becoming the first-ever Tribal Liaison for the Burke Museum in 2017.

Through her work, Polly plays a pivotal role in the museum's decolonization efforts. She is a renowned leader in cultural diversity training, program development, education, health and administration. With a thorough understanding of traditional and western systems, so also helps to support the resiliency of Tribal communities, and in turn, has been critical in advancing the Burke Museum's mission.

A former recipient of the University of Washington Diversity Award for Community Building, Polly kindles respect for the diversity of Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing and puts listening at the forefront of her work with the Burke Museum. She has woven these values into various aspects of the museum, including the land acknowledgement at the museum’s entrances, on their website and at every in-person event. At her core, Polly is an advocate for equity, inclusion and cultural sensitivity in her work and in the community.