SUQUAMISH — Lady Octopus and Crow will be special guests at this year’s Chief Seattle Days in downtown Suquamish as children from the Suquamish Tribe’s Early Learning Center present a new facet to the celebration this weekend. Though the visitors from the sea and sky will be in the form of a story play, it illustrates the level of cultural revitalization growing within the tribe.
The festival will also feature past activities, including a graveside memorial service at Chief Seattle’s grave, canoe races, dancing and a salmon bake, in addition to the mythical creatures’ visit. Organizer Ed Midkiff said Chief Seattle Days is not only a community celebration, but a time when residents can remember the chiefs who helped shape the Pacific Northwest, like Chief Seattle and Chief Chico.
“For a lot of people coming, this is their first glance at what a native festival looks like,” he said. “The old timers come and just fit in and are comfortable with their neighbors and friends.”
Chief Seattle Days, now in its 97th year, is a way for the tribe to show its heritage and help bridge the gap between generations. This will come to life after the parade and welcoming ceremony as the Youth Thespian Group from the Early Learning Center prepares for its stage debut. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 will act out the story play, something that has been a part of Northwest tribes for hundreds of years.
“They’re doing good,” said ELC director Lisa Horn. “They are making their masks and making the backdrops. The children are producing and directing it. The teachers are just standing by for support. They are so cute and so excited for the performance.”
The students took the initiative to act out the story, which has been passed down verbally from elders to youth for years. The story originates from the Skagit Tribe, but there have been many variations to it since it was first told, said ELC Headstart cultural specialist and parent involvement coordinator Tleena Ives. Midkiff said it will serve to enhance the cultural celebration, and it is encouraging to see students embracing their heritage.
“One of the things about these stories is everyone always gets something different out of it,” Ives said. “I think this is kind of a new thing, I don’t think they’ve ever done it before, that will really honor the children. The children will really shine.”
“I look forward to seeing all of the people come,” Midkiff said. “I look forward to seeing the family that come, most of my family lives out of the area… Also the people coming in and enjoying the salmon bake. I walk by and there are smiles on their faces as they watch the dancing, I really like that.”
