NOTICES
Cultural Traditions
Showcased at
Oregon History
Center
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The work of three Siletz Tribal members
is featured in the Living Traditions exhibit now
on display at the Oregon History Center in
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Portland, Ore.
Note: Clip this article for $30 off the screening fee.
This exhibit focuses on the process of
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preserving cultural traditions and the
numerous skills this entails. Living Traditions
showcases the 1999-2000 Traditional Arts
Public Interest Growing in Well Water Safety
Apprenticeship Program (TAAP), an annual
program of the Oregon Historical Society
An outpouring of public interest at recent informational forums about well water
Folklife Program, displaying the work of 10
suggests that many Oregonians are concerned - often with good reason - that their drinking
water is not safe, and want to find out what they can do about it.
master traditional artists and their
Several “Well Water Clinics” operated by the Home-A-Syst program at Oregon State
apprentices.
American regalia making to Tanya Nevarez,
University were held in the central Willamette Valley. About 1,000 concerned residents
attended those and other sessions. This was “a level of interest that was far more than we
and Esther Stutzman is learning Kalapuya
had anticipated," said Gail Glick Andrews, an Extension water quality educator with the
basketry from Karen Howlingwolf.
OSU Department of Bioresource Engineering.
Agnes Baker-Pilgrim is teaching Native
of
Living Traditions contains original works
“What this indicates to me is that people are really craving information and want to
musical
protect their home water supply,” Andrews said. “The odd thing is that many of them thought
they were the only ones who didn’t know much about this issue. The reality is that many or
most people are poorly informed.”
art,
photographs,
and
instruments, along with insights into the
artistry, background, and the unique skills
New information available on the Internet will help people learn how to protect their
involved in passing on each cultural tradition.
In every case, artists teach skills and
techniques that are learned within the
cultural life of a community, taught from one
person to another over time and space.
Because knowledge and skills of these art
forms are passed down through oral
tradition, each artist shares a deep
commitment to sharing what they know to
ensure these traditions will be carried on by
future generations.
Living Traditions will be on display at
the Oregon History Center through Aug. 31,
2000. It will then move to the Oregon State
Capitol building in Salem, and will be on
display from Sept. 5 through Oct. 13.
The TAAP program has been made
possible by the National Endowment for the
well water supplies. The web address is http://osu.orst.edu/extension/wellwater.
According to Andrews, as many as one-fourth to one-half of the private wells in Oregon
contain surface contaminants. Summer is the ideal time for people to inspect their well
systems, test the water, and make any necessary changes or repairs.
Several support agencies exist for people to find information to get started. County
Extension offices are the best place to start, she said. People also can obtain information
from the new web site, or contact Andrews vie e-mail at gail.glick.Andrews@orst.edu.
Andrews said that if properly constructed and maintained, most private wells in Oregon
actually produce very safe water. The natural filtering action of soil tends to control bacteria
and viruses. Problems are most common with well-drained soil that speeds the downward
movement of surface contaminants, especially in heavily fertilized agricultural areas.
Testing for coliform bacteria and nitrate levels every one to three years is
recommended, Andrews said, and contrary to common assumptions, taste is not a good
indicator of water quality. Some crystal clear water can be contaminated and some
foul-tasting water can be fine.
The Extension literature outlines a number of fairly simple things homeowners can do
to help protect their well water. They include:
✓
Locate your well, septic tank, and drain field as the first step toward managing and
protecting these areas.
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Have your septic tank pumped about every three to five years, depending on
Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission, and U.S.
Bank. Stipends for the master artists were
provided through a generous grant from the
PGE-Enron Foundation.
household usage patterns.
✓
A program guide with images, personal
Remove any chemicals stored in your well house, and protect the soils around your
property from contamination by oil. gasoline, and household chemicals.
information, and quotes from each artist is
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Make sure there is no water standing around the top of your well.
available. For more information, contact the
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Ensure that a sanitary seal caps your well to keep out foreign objects and
surface contaminants.
OHS Folklife Department at 503-306-5292.
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