Native American Activities at East Shore

Apr 30, 2019 | News

by Lynn Roesch

On Saturday, April 6th, a community-wide workshop, “Challenges Facing Native Communities and Their Allies” was attended by approximately 60 people in Spring Hall. Throughout the afternoon session, native and non-native presenters talked about topics of concern to Native American communities in our area and across the country. Their powerful presentations addressed contemporary issues including RealRent Duwamish, the Liquid Natural Gas Pipeline proposed on Puyallup Land, Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women, and the 2019 Canoe Journey. A Q&A session followed the presentations during which participants had a chance to find out what could be done to support the work of our indigenous neighbors. Contact Marilyn Mayers or Lynn Roesch if you want to become an ally with any of these projects.

On Sunday, April 7th, both services focused on what is happening in local Native communities and how non-native communities can support indigenous efforts to address cultural, environmental, and social issues. At 9:00 am, Jessie Dye, senior campaign strategist from Earth Ministry, spoke. Her sermon, “Faith Leaders Standing with Native Americans,” focused on justice and sustainability in environmental stewardship and advocacy. At 11:00 am, Freddie Lane, tribal council member for the Lummi, spoke about the spiritual dimension of the Canoe Journey in a sermon entitled “The Canoe Journey as a Spiritual Quest.” Ken Workman, Duwaminsh elder and former council member, also spoke. The Canoe Journey is the traditional gathering of northwest tribes to celebrate their cultures. This year’s Canoe Journey is being hosted by the Lummi nation at the end of July. For more information, talk with Marilyn Mayers or Lynn Roesch.