Elders Celebration Dinner at TwispWorks

This article originally appeared in the Methow Valley News, 27 September 2017

Recently, on the TwispWorks campus, the History/Archaeology Program of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation held the “Honoring Our Elders Celebration Dinner.” The yearly event recognizes the invaluable contributions made by Elders, traditional practitioners, and informants who assist in recording the history of the Colville Tribes.

Citizens Drum Group performing the Honor Song

Willie Womer, Culture Committee Chairman of the Colville Business Council, kicked off the event by relaying a message from his mother, Kathy Womer. She regretted not being there as she had, “too many arrow tips in the fire,” and sent her son Willie in her place. Willie read his mother’s story written from the perspective of someone standing on the crest of a hill who was overlooking the reed and bark homes in the Methow Valley below. The people gathered berries, fished from the streams, and hunted deer to sustain them through winter. One day, people with “hair of sunshine and eyes of sky,” came to the valley with “logs of thunder.” One group fled north, the other to the east. Her short story speaks of a utopian life in the Methow Valley, and the fear and grief of loss when they were driven out.

Mary Iglesia of the Methow Valley Interpretive Center and the Methow Field Institute thanked the Elders for hosting the event as, “representatives of the First People of the valley.” She expressed gratitude on behalf of the MVIC for “collaboration and inspiration” that the Elders provide in the MVIC exhibits and community events.

Guy Moura, program manager of the History/Archaeology Program and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, spoke about collaborative efforts with different federal agencies to protect the environment, document archaeological sites, and preserve the history of Methow traditional territory. The department played a big role in halting mining interests that recently threatened the headwaters of the Methow River. The History/Archaeology Program works to represent tribal interests by documenting the history of the Methow people with names, places, and stories. The knowledge the Elders share establishes sovereign rights in traditional lands and preserves historical the record.

Terry Charley

Methow descendent Terry Charley led the prayer before and after the meal. As he began, Terry shared stories from his father, “My father wanted to come home to the Methow, and cried because he could not be here. My father would speak for hours a day, sharing stories of our people.” One story spoke of the gift of continuity Elders provide. Terry encouraged people to continue to share their stories to keep their knowledge alive in others. As the prayers were offered in song, all the Elders chimed in – a simultaneous melody.

Dinner was catered by Roxanne Campbell-Rose. A mouthwatering spread of perfectly baked salmon, roasted turkey, stew with root vegetables, and meatloaf greeted diners. The entrees were followed by a dozen different salads, fry bread, rolls, and countless fruit pies. Elders received honoraria for their help with the History/Archeology Program of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Elaine Timentwa Emerson and Cyndy Miller 

Squash Pie

2 c squash
1/4 c sugar/ honey
1/8 c molasses
1/4 t salt
1/4 t cinnamon
1/4 t ginger pwd
1/4 t cardamom
1 T. Fresh grated ginger
1/2 c cream
1/2 c sour cream
2 eggs yolks ---egg whites set aside

Blend everything (except the egg whites) in a food processor.
Whip the egg whites in separate bowl and fold into the pie mixture.
Spread evenly into prepared crust.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Single crust pie recipe:

5 T cold butter
3 T cold coconut oil
1 cup white flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 t salt
1 t sugar (optional)
4 T ice water

Cut butter and coconut oil into small cubes. Whisk together flours, salt, and sugar. Cut butter and coconut oil into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Using fork, toss flour/butter mixture with water, one tablespoon at a time until dough comes together. Using floured hands, roll into ball, then flatten on lightly dusted work service. Evenly roll out dough before transferring to pie pan. Par-bake for 10 minutes before adding filling. 

Book Reviews: The Big Burn, and, The River Of Life

This article originally appeared in the Methow Valley News, 13 September 2017

With recent events in the valley that raise discussions about conservation and use of natural resources, combined with climate change discussions of longer, intense fire seasons, this summer seemed like the perfect time to read “The Big Burn” by Timothy Egan paired with “The River of Life: Sustainable Practices of Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples” by Dr. Michael Marchand et al.

“The Big Burn” covers the political atmosphere leading up to the catastrophic fires of 1910 that burned across several states in the Pacific Northwest. Author Timothy Egan delves into the efforts of Teddy Roosevelt to conserve America’s forests during an industrial race to claim the rich resources of the West. Roosevelt operated on two main principles: enact practices to ensure a lasting, sustainable harvest of natural resources, and preserve America’s natural treasures for the enjoyment of all Americans. Roosevelt established the National Forest Service, which did not receive public support until after the 1910 fires and the heroic efforts of the first Rangers to save people and towns.

Roosevelt’s efforts to raise awareness about conservation issues was met with strong resistance by oligarchs who stood to profit from unrestrained invasion and thievery of Native American lands. Treaties were ignored as railroad and timber barons focused on immediate profits, not sustainable practices. In the summer of 1910, dry lightning started a handful of fires, while sparks from railcars started others. Individuals angry with Roosevelt and the newly formed Forest Service purposely set fire to clear the land – if there were no trees, the Forest Service had no trees to claim. In late August, fires started by both nature and humans merged into a colossal inferno– destroying towns and homes indiscriminately. After the fire, public opinion turned to support conservation efforts. Many public policies were enacted that are still in place today.

“The River of Life: Sustainable Practices of Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples” goes deep to provide illustrative context describing different resource management ideas between the western world view and Native American traditions. Using water as a metaphor, Dr. Marchand and other contributors discuss sustainable practices that allow communities to make choices that fit within the constraints of the available resources of the land. Local and regional communities and planners can benefit from a collaborative relationship rooted in the intergenerational knowledge provided by First Peoples who lived in one place for thousands of years.

Dr. Marchand is a local author and chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. I highly recommend his book. Although it is an academic publication, the numerous illustrations, real life stories, and traditional metaphors make this book an engaging read. The cover art, by ledger artist Cheryl Grunlose, is beautiful enough to keep the book prominently displayed.

Next up on my reading list is E. Richard Hart’s “Lost Homeland: The Methow Tribe and the Columbia Reservation” paired with Christine Cassano’s “When the Sun Reaches the Mountain.” Hart’s book delves into the history of the Methow people and the creation of the reservations, while Cassano’s story illustrates her life on that same reservation in the 1940s and 50s.

Elaine Timentwa Emerson, standing, speaking at the Shafer Museum during a book signing for "Lost Homeland" by E. Richard Hart. Seated up front, Mark Miller and E. Richard Hart.