PAGE 8 APRIL 13, 1979
APRIL 13, 1979 PAGE 9
f t a n y S o re F in gers R e a d y R o o ts F or T he F ea st
In celebration of the new foods offered up by the Creator each
spring, the Simnasho and Agency Longhouses observed this year’s
Root Feast on Sunday, April 8.
Much preparation and care goes into each year’s Root Feast, as
evidenced by sore fingers and tired hacks. Peeling Piaxi (top left)
with Harry Miller at the Agency Longhouse was a group of all ages
(center left). But it wasn’t all drudgery — there was time for fun, too.
Mary Danzuka (bottom left) shared some affectionate moments with
her granddaughter and Phillip David’s daughter. By Saturday,
Matilda Mitchell (center left) was ready for the feast because the
Simnasho ladies peel their roots as they pick them. Prunie! Williams
(bottom center) made tule mats for the feast. Joyce Quinn (upper
right) toiled over boiling kettles of food Sunday, while Alexander
Eagleheart helped fix fresh salmon. A Simnasho Longhouse helper
(center right) poured the ceremonial water at each place setting. And
when each of the ritual morsels of food was served, the feast was
ready to begin.
R o o t F east -
a Tim e o f
In dian
T h an ksgivin g
Peeling Piaxi
Photos by
Sandy Rangila
and
Cynthia Stowell
Time For Fun, Too
Making Tule Mats
Ritual Serving
Choosh