Op-ed: Indigenous History Month
[caption id align="alignnone" width="1536"]
Photo courtesy of Naiome Krienke [/caption]
Opinion by Naiome Krienke, Long House for the People founder
November is Indigenous Peoples Month and a good time to reflect on who the first people of this land were. Here in Port Townsend were the Chemakum, S’Klallam and Makah. Maybe we all could take some time to learn a little history, read a book by an indigenous writer, visit the historical society, or learn about local indigenous led groups or projects.
What does Indigenous Peoples' Month mean to me, Naiome Krienke (Chemakum-Quinault)? It is a time of reflection on my people and our history here in “America,” our Culture and traditions.
I started Longhouse for the people project for that reason. We, with community support, have managed to purchase 12 acres of land and build a longhouse, first foods gardens, and camas prairie. It is a place where language and cultural classes will be held. Songs, dance, feasts and celebrations. I also helped create the Since Time Immemorial curriculum at Chimacum Creek Primary, and I am continuously an advocate for Indigenous people.
As a mother, I am happy that there are many local Indigenous people doing good things in our community. Like cultural preservation by learning and teaching language, traditional food harvesting and gathering, traditions, songs, dances, protocol and history. It is important for indigenous people to continue our traditional ways. It's who we are, and keeps us connected to our ancestors and the land. Making sure the next generation of indigenous children has access to their culture in the school system and community. Here are a few of our local Indigenous community weavers who are making that happen.
Sabrina Hill (Makah) works in our schools and is on the Title VI Indian Education advisory committee. She has also helped create the Since Time Immemorial curriculum. She is also a Native Women Run athlete and an active community volunteer.
Aaron Hall (Salish and Kootenai) is a teacher at Coast Salish Elementary School. He is also a member of the Title VI Indian Education Advisory Committee.
Barbara Jo Blair (Chinook) is a Community weaver and a major member of the Native Connections Action group.
Celeste Dybeck (Jamestown S’klallam) is a Tribal elder who helped create the čičməhán Trail in Port Townsend.
Jess Keet (Lingit Tribe). Founder of JCARF (Jefferson County Anti- Racist Fund) and a Somatic Practitioner. They are deeply involved in mutual aid and community work.
Rosalee Walz (Chemakum), Tribal chair, has worked tirelessly in the Native community and continues to help raise tribal awareness. She served on the Seattle Indian Health Board for 20+ years.
Morningstar Garden (Jamestown S’Klallam) is recognized for her work on the Camas Prairie at the Golf course.
Annie Lovato (Pueblo) is a social worker, community organizer and member of Well Organized.
Cendre Hunt (Nisqually) is an organizer and community builder. They work for Nourishing Beloved Community and Well Organized.
Ruby Stacey (Quileute) is a volunteer at the Port Townsend Wood School and works for Pyramid Communications doing tribal and community work.
Dorothy Obi (Hoh) does a lot of community volunteering for MMIW, which stands for Murdered Missing Indigenous Women movement, which aims to bring awareness about the high rates of murder and violence against indigenous women and girls. She is involved with Indigenous sobriety at Recovery Cafe.
Laurae Hughes (Siletz) owns Gray Fox Farm in Chimacum. She teaches Traditional skills, and was on the survival show Naked and Afraid!
Walter McQuillen (Makah) is a Hereditary Chief. He is a fisherman, an artist and an active community member.
