WHITESWAN ENVIRONMENTAL
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A Beyond Boundaries story:
​Whiteswan Environmental and US National Parks Service

February 2, 2021
National Parks Service 100th Centennial Anniversary
August 25, 2016
Whiteswan Environmental (WE) gifted and organized the Reef Net Captain (Saanich) & Salmon Story Boards (Lummi) dedication on behalf of Lummi and Saanich Nations, and the Spirit of the Sxwo'le (SOS) Stewardship Corps.

WE are the vision keepers for a future Coast Salish Tribal Heritage Field Institute, restoration of village sites, camps, reef-net locations and 13 moons food sovereignty for 7th generation sustainability. 

                                                                              A Lummi Creation Story: In the Beginning

There were two brothers who were placed on earth in Somane.  Finding no livelihood, the older brother moved to Melaxat (Saanich), but the younger brother, Swetan, continued to San Juan Island (Lummi), where he stopped to make a home.  To both brothers the Creator gave the gift of the salmon, the spear, the reef-net (Sxwo’le), the suin and fire. 
                                                                                                                     Stern, Bernard. Lummi Indians of Northwest Washington, 1934.
                                                                                                                                                              Morris, Gary.
Strait Salish Prehistory, 2010. 


The Reef Net Captain and Salmon Story Boards tell the story of the Chi'lange'lth, inherent birth rights, which were a sacred gift from the Creator.  Respected elders have said, the Creator gave us the sacred responsibilities to the land, water, salmon, reef-net and language that belong to it and it if is not supported it is cultural spiritual genocide. 

In the spirit of
One Mind for the Purpose of the Work, WE coordinated with NPS  to host over 400 people during  this historical event to build intergenerational community knowledge, as well as understanding amongst cultures who share stewardship of Pe'pi'ow'elh and the 300,000+ annual site visitors.  

​
WE continue to hold our hands up in gratitude (hy'shqe) to all those who join us to support of community healing in the Salish Sea. WE understand the profound impacts these events will have on our community. 


Whiteswan Environmental relies on donations from the community to make this vision a reality.

  • Whiteswan Environmental is a 501(c)3.
  • WE are registered with WA State Charitable Contributions.
  • Donations can also be mailed to PO Box 2603, Ferndale, WA 98248. 
  • A tax deductible letter is available for all contribution.  ​
Picture


"Our culture is amazing.  The reef-net is amazing and the salmon people are worth saving."  
Youth Leader



​Email:  shirley.williams.we@gmail.com


  • Home
    • Values
  • Sacred Trust Responsibilities
    • National Parks Service
    • National Monument
  • Cultural Preservation
    • Spirit of the Sxwo'le (SOS) Coalition >
      • Visions for the Future
      • SOS Stewardship Corps
      • Indigenous Public Health
      • Digital Ecocultural Mapping
      • 13 Moons Food Sovereignty
      • Field-to-Classroom Curriculum >
        • Whatcom Intergerational High School
      • Legislative Advocacy >
        • What is Truth and Reconciliation?
        • Indigenous Truth Washington
        • Sign the Proclamation
        • Resources
      • Longhouse Restoration
    • Video Gallery & More >
      • Photos
      • Acknowledgement & Awards
      • Articles
  • Contact Us
    • Elder Advisory Council
    • Board Members
    • WE Staff
    • Co-Founders
  • Donate Here
  • WE Contributors
  • WE Partners