National Parks Service 100th Centennial Anniversary
August 25, 2016
August 25, 2016
Richard Walker, Indian Country Today, August 24, 2016
https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/news/native-news/watershed-moment-pole-story-boards-installed-on-ancestral-village-site/
https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/news/native-news/watershed-moment-pole-story-boards-installed-on-ancestral-village-site/
In culmination of the Spirit of the Sxwo'le (reef-net) Coast Salish Mini University, on behalf of those of whom we honor as Keepers of the Tradition and Protectors of the Circle of Life Coast Salish families from Lummi Nation and WSANEC Saanich Nation (on both sides of the 49th parallel) dedicated on behalf of all people a Reef Net Captain Totem Pole and two Salmon Story Boards to the San Juan Island National Historical Parks 100th Centennial Anniversary. This ceremony was held in the spiritual site of our ancestors’ 600-800 foot long house at Pe'pi'ow'elh, now known as English Camp.
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. (Excerpt from the Lummi Creation Story, Stern, 1934; Strait Salish History, Gary Morris, 2010)
The Reef Net Captain Totem Pole and Salmon Story Boards tell the story of the Chi'lange'lth, inherent birth rights, which were a sacred gift from the Creator. As 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.
With "One Mind for the Purpose of the Work" we hosted 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 for we understand the profound impacts these events will have on our community.
As respected elders have said the first part of any healing process is to know who you are and where you come from and as neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse childhood experience and resilience is now showing, memory is stored in DNA.
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. (Excerpt from the Lummi Creation Story, Stern, 1934; Strait Salish History, Gary Morris, 2010)
The Reef Net Captain Totem Pole and Salmon Story Boards tell the story of the Chi'lange'lth, inherent birth rights, which were a sacred gift from the Creator. As 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.
With "One Mind for the Purpose of the Work" we hosted 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 for we understand the profound impacts these events will have on our community.
As respected elders have said the first part of any healing process is to know who you are and where you come from and as neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse childhood experience and resilience is now showing, memory is stored in DNA.
The reef net tradition is a cultural resurgence of Coast Salish social, economic, spiritual, political and educational society. After being forced out or outlawed from the ancient fishing technology on both sides of the border, the Lummi and Saanich relatives have built and set the first reef nets at hereditary fishing site locations that have not been used in over a hundred years.
Spirit of the Sxwo'le - Coast Salish Mini University
In Summer 2014, members of the Lummi Nation re-introduced the reef net fishing tradition to Lummi youth from the shores of San Juan Island National Historical Park's English Camp unit, Pe'pi'ow'elh. Hereditary Chief Bill James of Lummi Nation addressed the ceremony and gathering in Xwlemi Chosen (Lummi Language). The beach was blessed with the sand and water from Lummi Nation, and the traditional reef net canoe was launched. The Lummi Youth Canoe family paddled around the bay, as their ancestors once did, singing the Flood Song--Lummi Nation's creation song.
Spirit of the Sxwo'le - Coast Salish Mini University
In Summer 2014, members of the Lummi Nation re-introduced the reef net fishing tradition to Lummi youth from the shores of San Juan Island National Historical Park's English Camp unit, Pe'pi'ow'elh. Hereditary Chief Bill James of Lummi Nation addressed the ceremony and gathering in Xwlemi Chosen (Lummi Language). The beach was blessed with the sand and water from Lummi Nation, and the traditional reef net canoe was launched. The Lummi Youth Canoe family paddled around the bay, as their ancestors once did, singing the Flood Song--Lummi Nation's creation song.
In Summer 2015, members of the Lummi Nation held a traditional naming ceremony for two tribal members on the beach at Henry Island, a fishing site that has not been available to the tribe for generations. The naming took place in honor of the Spirit of the Sxwo'le, and the Keepers of the Tradition and Protectors of the Circle of Life. This work has reconnected friends and families that were impacted by colonial divide.
WE - Whiteswan Environmental
WE - Whiteswan Environmental is the organizer of 100th NPS Centennial Anniversary Reef Net Captain Totem Pole & Salmon Storyboard Dedication, the Coast Salish Mini University camps, and the vision keepers for a future Coast Salish Tribal Heritage Field Institute and Interpretive Center in the Salish Sea.
WE - Whiteswan Environmental has been working on short to long-term restoration projects with the San Juan Islands National Historical Parks, San Juan Islands National Monument, FRIENDS of San Juans, other non-government organizations, San Juan Islands Conservation Corps, bio-regional universities and colleges and tribes to provide community healing through the natural, cultural and historical restoration to the Salish Sea for the next seven generations.
WE believes that by integrating and respecting our Schelangen (way of life) and the western science/STEAM curricula, there will be intergenerational indigenous education on the ecological health issues of the past, present and future, therefore creating a resurgence of the Keepers of the Tradition and Protectors of the Circle of Life, or next generation of historians and conservationists.
WE - Whiteswan Environmental is the organizer of 100th NPS Centennial Anniversary Reef Net Captain Totem Pole & Salmon Storyboard Dedication, the Coast Salish Mini University camps, and the vision keepers for a future Coast Salish Tribal Heritage Field Institute and Interpretive Center in the Salish Sea.
WE - Whiteswan Environmental has been working on short to long-term restoration projects with the San Juan Islands National Historical Parks, San Juan Islands National Monument, FRIENDS of San Juans, other non-government organizations, San Juan Islands Conservation Corps, bio-regional universities and colleges and tribes to provide community healing through the natural, cultural and historical restoration to the Salish Sea for the next seven generations.
WE believes that by integrating and respecting our Schelangen (way of life) and the western science/STEAM curricula, there will be intergenerational indigenous education on the ecological health issues of the past, present and future, therefore creating a resurgence of the Keepers of the Tradition and Protectors of the Circle of Life, or next generation of historians and conservationists.
On behalf of 7th generation sustainability, WE are dedicated to strengthening our relationship with the Federal Land Managers of the San Juan Islands - National Parks Service and National Monument, Bureau of Land Management.
The work of Whiteswan Environmental has aligned with the Department of Interior's mission:
The work of Whiteswan Environmental has aligned with the Department of Interior's mission:
- Protect the Environment and Preserve Our Nation's Natural and Cultural Resources
- Provide Recreation for America
- Manage Natural Resources for a Healthy Environment and Strong Economy
- Provide Science for a Changing World
- Meet our Trust Responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives and Our Commitment to Island Communities.
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Whiteswan Environmental is a 501(c)3. WE are registered with WA State Charitable Contributions. A tax deductible letter is available for all contribution. Hy'shqe!
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