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Rex Derr, Director
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2669
Dear Mr. Derr,
In the spring of 1999, my classroom of 5th and 6th graders from Pathfinder School in West Seattle worked with people from the Suquamish Tribe on a project to learn about Washington State history. The students carved cedar canoe paddles, learned traditional paddling songs, and took a five-day journey from Southworth to Suquamish, paddling 26-foot Aleut style umiaks.
Over several months, people from the Suquamish Tribe provided us with true riches of knowledge that my students and I will never forget, as well as showing deep generosity by opening their homes and sharing their traditions. We concluded our journey around a campfire on the beach, not far from the site of Old Man House.
I know that if Old Man House State Park is transfered to the Suquamish Tribe, the people of the Puget Sound region will benefit. The Suquamish people are dedicated to the health, well-being, and knowledge of our youth. The history and traditions of the Suquamish people are a precious living cultural resource to be honored and celebrated.
The transfer of Old Man House State Park to the Suquamish Tribe is a strong action for Washington State to take for unity, the honoring of history, and the future of our children.
Respectfully Yours,
Chris Weaver |
