NPS Founder’s Day Event

Coast Salish Dedications during National Park Service Founder’s Day Event

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San Juan Island National Historical Park will host Washington Coast Salish Tribes and First Nations Thursday, August 25, 2016 during the National Park Service Founder’s Day celebration. Members of Lummi and Saanich nations will dedicate two canoes, two Salmon Story Boards and a Reef Net Captain Totem Pole to the National Park to commemorate the National Park Service Centennial. Washington State Senator, Kevin Ranker will be speaking to the value of public lands and how the next generation is critical to continuing the important conservation work into the next century. The Park is honored to be celebrating the next century of stewardship and collaboration of public lands.

A public ceremony dedication will be held at 2 pm near a Coast Salish village site at English Camp. A birthday cake will be cut in honor of the celebration at 3:30 and family-friendly activities such as canoe paddling, native dancing, artwork, and information about the San Juan Islands will be available until 6 pm. A special talk with master canoe builder Dean Washington and canoe navigator Matt Wickey on Canoe culture in the Islands, past and present will be held at 3:45 pm with instruction on canoe paddling.

“Coast Salish families traveled and worked these waters, prairies, and forests for thousands of years before European arrival and the islands hold their stories,” said Superintendent Elexis Fredy, “These gifts will allow the park to share the deep meaning and reverence the Salish people have for their sacred home, the San Juan Islands.”

Canoes built at English Camp this week – Tim Dustrude photo

Master canoe builder and Lummi Nation member, Dean Washington, will dedicate two Coast Salish canoes, master carver Jewell Praying Wolf James will dedicate two Salmon Story Boards, and master carver Charles Elliott, a member of the T’sartlip First Nation on Vancouver Island, will dedicate his Reef Net Captain Pole.

Free shuttle bus to/from Friday Harbor ferry landing at 2 pm returning from park at 5 pm.

To volunteer for this event, please call (360) 378 – 2240 ext. 2223. For more information visit the park website, www.nps.gov/sajh, or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/camppickett.
www.nps.gov

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