Reflections of the Healing Totem Journeys

The strength of Native American culture and spirit help a nation to recover from the tragic effects of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The Lummi ‘House of Tears’ carvers make three journeys to the 9/11 sites bringing a message of healing to those who have lost loved ones there. Healing Totems now stand on or near the three sites. NWIN reporter Fredrick Lane, Lummi, traveled with the carvers across the country and reflects upon the journeys in his report.

Around Indian Country

•In Tacoma Washington December 10th, 2004, the Historical Court of Inquiry and Justice exonerated Nisqually Chief Leschi, saying he had been wrongly convicted of murder 150 years ago.

•In Port Angeles, Washington, the Washington State Department of Transportation planned to build replacement pontoons for the Hood Canal Bridge. The construction site is located on top of the former Klallam village of Tse-whit-zen. 10,000 artifacts and more than 280 burials have been unearthed  since construction began in 2003. The Lower Elwha Tribe is asking WSDOT to move the site and stop the digging, US Senator, Maria Cantwell, (D) WA agrees with the Tribe in an announcement during a Tribal honoring ceremony.

           Tulalip Tribal member Sherry Guydelkon reports.