Bellingham Totem Pole Blessing & Beginning of Spirit of the Waters Journey

On Tuesday 5/3 the Lummi House of Tears Carvers and Totem Pole Journeyers Jewell James, Doug James and Siam'elwit began their Journey through Washington, Oregon and Idaho. This journey is in support of the indigenous-led movement to remove the Snake River dams and restore the salmon runs to health, as well as our relatives, the Southern Resident Killer Whales (Skali’Chelh) that depend on them. A multifaith Blessing of the Pole was a way to signify and give strength to their journey.

“The launch featured songs from Lummi drummers and singers, music from Native flutist Peter Ali and a choir performance. Various local faith leaders blessed the pole’s journey and supported its message, including Echoes Pastor Emma Donohew — whose ancestor was an Oklahoma dam builder. The event concluded with the community surrounding the pole to offer a group prayer.” -Bellingham Herald Article

Echoes was grateful to be included in the speakers. Pastor Emma helped Bless the Totem Pole & collectively Pray for the Salmon, Orca and Rivers. Our relationship to all of creation means we need to spend more time listening to the wisdom of the Elders who remind us that we are made for better than this. Let us pray for their journey and for the learning (and unlearning) that may be done along the way.

Read the Bellingham Herald Article Here!

Follow the Journey: https://www.spiritofthewaters.org/