This Lummi totem pole will arrive in Cherry Point after traveling along the rail line from the Powder River Basin, source of coal to Cherry Point, where an expansion of the export terminal is proposed. The Lummi nation hopes to strengthen opposition to the coal terminal and invites the public to two ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 27
Friday, Sept. 27
- Welcoming Ceremony from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at NW Indian College
- Blessing Ceremony at 5 p.m. at Cherry Point near Ferndale
The Lummi Nation House of Tears Carvers have been carrying a totem pole to first nations communities along the rail line from the Powder River Basin to Cherry Point. The goal of this journey is to raise awareness and strengthen opposition to the coal terminal proposed on Lummi sacred lands at Cherry Point.
From Donna Riordan, Orcas NoCOALition:
A welcoming and blessing ceremony is planned at the Northwest Indian College, ( www.nwic.edu) beginning at noon. Visitors and well-wishers can participate in the agenda which includes:
• Meet & Greet Carvers
• Invocation, Al Scott Johnny
• Welcome by Candice Wilson, Vice Chair, Lummi Indian Business Council, & Justin Guillory, NWIC President
• Blessing Song by Solomon Family
• Interfaith Solidarity Statement, Deborah Cruz
• Lummi Fisherman: Jay Julius, Elden Hillaire, Larry & Ellie Kinley, John Felix, Vernon Lane II, Rena Priest
Parking is available on-campus – at the Parking Lot behind St. Joachim Church.
At 4:30 p.m. participants plan to caravan with Totem Pole for a Blessing at Xwe’chi’eXen (Cherry Point). Driving Directions to Xwe chi’eXen: Head West on Slater Road (Towards Barleans Seafood) | Right on Lake Terrell Road | Left on Mountain View Road | Follow Y to the right on Rainbow Road | Follow Straight, it turns into Henry Road | Left on Gulf Road/Powder Plant Road | Parking Attendants On-Site | Car-pooling is Encouraged.
From Matt Petryni, Power Past Coal
This Friday, September 27 at 5 p.m. the totem pole journey will travel to Xwe’chi’eXen, or Cherry Point, for a very special and powerful blessing ceremony.
You have been invited to attend this incredible event. The totem pole will arrive at Xwe’chi’eXen at 5 p.m. Please join us to celebrate the legacy of many generations who have fished and lived there, and to support the effort to protect the sacred for many more into the future.
Stand with the Lummi carvers at Cherry Point. Be part of the journey at 5 p.m. on Friday.
