On May 24, 2021, at the Port of Bellingham on Granary Avenue in Bellingham, the Totem Pole will be available for county residents to attend and have an opportunity to lay hands on the Totem Pole and imbue it with their grief, their prayers and their hopes. There will be local speakers, musicians, artisans, and a Blessing by interfaith representatives.
Lummi Nation House of Tears Carvers, led by Master Carver Jewell Praying Wolf James, is based in Bellingham, WA and is renown for its Totem Pole Journeys. This year is the Red Road to DC Totem Pole Journey. The House of Tears Carvers have carved a Totem Pole in honor of Sacred Sites, bringing attention to, and promoting the protection and restoration of, sacred lands, landscapes, and waterways. The Journey starts by bring attention to the urgent need to address the crisis in Xw’ullemy (the Salish Sea), and to the sacred obligation to restore and protect waterways critical to the future of the salmon and the Southern Resident Orcas.
The West Coast Journey which is already underway, visiting communities along the West Coast. It will continue in July with the National Tour which will begin in July such places visiting Chaco Canyon, Grand Canyon, Bears Ears, Black Hills and Missouri River and several other stops. There will also be virtual stops so watch the website at https://www.redroadtodc.org. They’ll take the Totem Pole to Washington DC and it will be presented to Biden and become an exhibit within the Smithsonian as a reminder of the obligation to the Tribes/Nations and the protection of Sacred Sites, many of which are also national parks and monuments.
This event is COVID-conscious and will require masks, regardless of vaccination status, unless there is a medical exemption. Social distancing protocols will be adhered to. Protect the most vulnerable!
This is and outdoor event so dress appropriately for the weather. There will be no public seating so bring your own chairs!
Schedule subject to change. Watch for more details and changes at: https://tinyurl.com/864pdxpx
2:00–4:00 pm: Social gathering with Lummi vendors, local artists, salmon activity and music with local musicians Dana Lyons and others.
4:00 pm–5:30 pm: Presentations include:
- Welcome
- Opening Prayer
- Totem Pole Journey crew: Jewell James, Doug James, Fred Lane
- Elected Officials
- Netse Mot, Repatriation of Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut
5:30 pm – Interfaith Blessing Ceremony with choral music and an offering by local ministers.
