Martha John demonstrates how to make traditional shell and bead headbands at the Seattle Indian Center, August 16, 1960. Located in Belltown, just a few blocks north of Seattle’s “Red Ghetto,” the Seattle Indian Center opened its doors, offering an oasis inside the urban wilderness. Seven Native mothers, led by Pearl Warren from the Makah tribe, formed the first “urban Indian” support organization in the country, the American Indian Women’s Service League. The Birth of the American Indian Women’s Service League“Indian people have radar,” says Jackie Swanson (Muckleshoot/Warm Springs), an early member of the Service League. A Welcoming AtmosphereIt took two years to raise the money to open the first Seattle Indian Center.