Siletz news /, September 01, 2004, Page 5, Image 5

TRIBAL PROGRAM NEWS
Above: William Whitehead helps prepare salmon for the salmon bake.
Right: Sarah Edenfield practices her basketmaking skills, while another
participant (below right) demonstrates his drum-making technique.
Cultural Hill
Respectively, Eva E. Clayton
Just arrived home from an adven­
turesome trip. Family reunion, Roseburg.
While there, Camas Valley decided to
top an all-time heat wave. I am a coastal
girl and I like my ocean wind!
Travel trailer and four grand­
children, we head for Culture Camp
prepared to meet up with other family
members and catching up on good time
with good friends.
We were first to arrive that first night
on cultural mountain, it was quiet, serene
as an ancient melody. It was a good one-
on-one with the next generation of
rainbow chasers (my grandchildren).
I listened, we laughed, it rekindled
the spirit within me. I was able to trek
back to a time when the circle of
laughter was my brothers and sisters
(Jack, Terry, Helen, David, Rosalie,
Judy, Ronnie, Rocky, and Julie). Sweet
memories that become more precious
as I progress along.
I relive again on the tale of a memory.
Barnyard pets, tree swings, hillside
grass slides, apple pickings, berry
buckets, and Chetco River bar fun with
the many cousins (mother came from a
family of 10 brothers and sisters as
well). What a menagerie of family.
There is no question as to where
the people’s future lays, that is in the
dreams and perseverance of our
children. All of our children. For they
carry our direct descendancy of all that
is good. Awaiting the nurturing
commitment that will bring out the
sparkle of individuality and strength
that wraps together spiritual past,
innovating present, and our survival for
all of our tomorrows.
This journey cannot be made by or
on the backs of a few. If so, we will
quickly become wind dust, an ancient
history that is blown away by our sea
winds. A culture that once was, but is
no more.
We are few and if not vigilant will
be erased from the cedar plank houses
of our ancestors. Where
cobwebs will prosper and
stillness will blanket life.
The drumbeat is mother
nature’s heart song, we must
listen closely, for it is the new
life she breathes into the
hearts of all our descendants.
Culture Camp is about
life, learning, and gathering.
Enhancing our bond with a
time that is as old as yesterday
and as young as tomorrow. I
am looking forward to next
year. Thank you to all who
made it happen.
And now on to our
journey to the lands of our
ancestors (Run to the Rogue).
I will look for you there.
September 2004 □
Siletz News
□
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