Gathering of the Eagles returns soon to Orcas

Orcas to Welcome Native American Canoe Journey May 20-21

||| FROM CHE BLAINE for GATHERING OF THE EAGLES |||

For the last four years, we have had the honor of hosting a Native American Canoe Journey on Orcas, and we have this special opportunity again this year. There will be a welcoming ceremony when several Native American canoes arrive at the Olga dock on Wednesday, May 20th, between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. Please come to welcome them.

Highlighting Orcas hospitality, there will be two community potluck dinners for locals and Native American canoe families. Wednesday’s will begin at 5:00pm at the Olga Community Club, and Thursday’s will also begin at 5:00pm at the Odd Fellows Hall. We hope you will all participate.

We had a wonderful turnout and selection of dishes last year, provided by our generous Orcas folks. Starting around 6:00pm both nights there will be an evening program of cultural protocol/sharing, storytelling and teaching presented by our native visitors, which is open to everyone. This is a unique opportunity to continue establishing intercultural relations with our native neighbors, some of whose ancestors called Orcas their home.

Potluck Information
If you are able, please bring a dish each night that you wish to come. We ask that the following guide be used based on last names: A-D: Appetizers; E-I: Salads/Sides; J-R: Main dishes; S-Z: Desserts. Please provide a small card that identifies the ingredients in your dish, so we can prevent allergy problems. Please bring your potluck dishes, with labeled serving utensils, each night by 4:30pm, so we can begin serving around 5:00pm. Consider bringing your own personal table setting to save waste/recycling.

Volunteers needed with:
Setup 2pm on Wednesday and at 3:30pm on Thursday. Parking both days. Cleanup each night and other tasks to be determined.

Schedule:
Wednesday – Olga Community Club Thursday – Odd Fellows Hall
1-2pm – Welcoming Canoes 4:15am – Departure for Mt. Constitution
3pm – Visiting, Storytelling, Slahal (Bone Game) 5:23am – Swalex Sunrise Ceremony
5pm – Potluck 12pm – Massacre Bay Visit and then
6pm – Protocol, Cultural Sharing, Teaching – Turtle Back Mountain Hike
7pm – Hoy’kwche Handshake 5pm – Potluck
6pm – Protocol, Cultural Sharing, Teaching
7pm – Skipper’s Meeting, Slahal
– Hoy’kwche Handshake

Contact Sharon or Che to volunteer or if you have questions: sharmuse@gmail.com or text at 917-626-5781; cheblaine@gmail.com or text at 360-317-8636.