North Olympic Peninsula Broadband • Entered by Krestine Reed on April 19, 2023
Totem Pole Journey to Protect Oak Flat
March 5, 2023
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 4 |
| Post Admin hours | 1 |
| Activity Hours | 3 |
| Participants | 2 |
| Total Hours | 11 |
Key Issue: Wilderness & Monument Designation/Protection
Activity Type: Education & Outreach (tabling, films & lectures, regional B-walks/works)
Key Partners: Jamestown S’Klallam Dungeness River Nature Center
Short Description of Activity
Originally, House of Tears Carvers had intentions of a Totem Pole Journey, taking a Totem Pole down the West Coast and then back up to Apache Stronghold and Oak Flat. San Carlos Apache and the Stronghold alliance has been fending of development of Oak Flat, an Apache sacred site, for many years now. On March 20, the 9th District Court of Appeals began arguments that could well seal the fate of Oak Flat. It was and is the intention of House of Tears Carvers to be present when these arguments begin, a show of solidarity. Unfortunately, we were not able to raise enough funds to transport a Totem Pole, so a Lummi Elder offered up the Kwelengsen (Eagle) Protector Staff to be the vessel for the prayers and blessings for Oak Flat instead of a Totem Pole.
Because totem pole completed, the Chief’s Totem Pole received blessings and was used on journey to Oak Flat, Arizona.
Diverse coalition urges federal appeals court to protect Oak Flat
Reflection/Evaluation
Unfortunately the blessing started over an hour late due to travel time from Port Townsend, so only labor 10 people stayed for the blessing. There was at least 100 people there at noon due to another event being over at that time. All went well anyway and those in attendance engaged in the spirit of the blessing.
Photos/Uploads
Photo Captions
1. Apache Stronghold Letter to President Biden
2. Freddie Lane with Kwelengsen (Eagle) Protector Staff