Chinook tribal heritage signs dedicated

 

November 11, 2021

Ian Brandon

Honored guests at the dedication of Cathlamet's Chinook tribal heritage signs were, front, l-r, Council Member Jane Pulliam and her mother, Joan Wekell, l-r, Mechel and Tribal Council Chair Tony Johnson, Council Members Devon Abing and Sam Robinson, three descendants of the pioneering Scarborough family, and Queen Sally's great-great-granddaughters, Kristen Simerson and Dale Hambleton.

Submitted by David Olson

Wild weather and an overflow crowd were features of the dedication ceremony held Saturday for two Chinook Tribal Heritage signs erected in Cathlamet through a grant awarded by the Lewis & Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment.

One sign, located at Queen Sally's Park adjacent to the Cathlamet Library, tells the story of notable Chinook elder Queen Sally including the spring and well near the site.

The other sign at Elochoman Slough Marina highlights the Wahkiakum Band of Chinook who greeted and traded with the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery in 1805 near the site of the sign.

Town Councilor David Olson served as emcee, introducing Chinook Tribal Chairman Tony Johnson. Johnson spoke in both Chinook dialect and everyday English of the significance of Chinook heritage in Wahkiakum County, then led tribal council members in drumming, song and sacred chants, conveying in music and words the heritage of the site and the tribe.

Descendants of Queen Sally, members of the Scarborough family and numerous Chinook council members and local residents were in attendance, along with congressional representatives, Wahkiakum County commissioners, and Cathlamet town council members. Particularly notable was the meeting of two descendants of Queen Sally, Dale Hambleton, Oregon City, and Kristen Simerson, Whidbey Island, who had never previously met.

Frans Eykel

Kristen Simerson, standing, left, and Dale Hambleton, standing right , are two great-great-granddaughters of 19th century tribal matron Queen Sally and met for the first time at the dedication.

Senator Maria Cantwell and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler sent greetings via staff representatives. Senator Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) spoke, stating "Don't forget the three 'R's: Remember, respect, recognition."

The event featured every kind of weather, including sunshine, pouring rain and gusty winds. At the midpoint a gust of wind literally lifted the canvas off the roof of the canopy, causing attendees and locals to stand together to hold the canopy in place during a temporary downpour.

The sign dedication was sponsored by the Town of Cathlamet, Port District No. 1, and the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce. A gift of a ceramic salmon plate crafted by Ruth Doumit was presented to the Chinook Nation on behalf of the community. In addition to co-hosting the Chinook Tribal Heritage sign dedication event at Elochoman Marina, the town also completed a temporary path and handrails to facilitate viewing of the heritage sign at Queen Sally's Park.

 

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