Tribal leaders celebrated with elected officials in Thurston County on Tuesday, Nov. 4, as the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month.
The proclamation recognizes Thurston County’s connections to the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, the Nisqually Indian Tribe and the Squaxin Island Tribe, and encouraged “all residents to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of native peoples, especially our neighbors,” and “to commit to learning from and supporting the vibrant indigenous cultures that continue to thrive in our regions.”
Representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, the Nisqually Indian Tribe and the Squaxin Island Tribe each presented the Thurston County Board of Commissioners with a woven blanket and a flag during the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday to commemorate the proclamation.
“We wrap our arms around the citizens of Thurston County. We have a connection now,” said Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman Kris Peters.
Dustin Klatush, chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, thanked the commissioners for the effort they’ve put into maintaining the relationship between Thurston County government and the Chehalis Tribe.
“I think every day we’re getting stronger,” he said.
The celebration included songs from members of the Squaxin Island Tribe and from Willie Frank III of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, who spoke in front of the traveling half-scale model statue of his father, activist Billy Frank Jr. The actual statue will soon be housed in the U.S. and state Capitols.
As director of education for the Wa He Lut Indian School, Frank stressed the importance of connecting indigenous youth to their cultures on a day-to-day basis.
“We celebrate Native American day every day. It’s not just a month for us,” he said.
