The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites you to attend the Ninth Annual Salish Sea Native American Culture Celebration with the Samish and Swinomish tribes. The event takes place Saturday, June 7 at Deception Pass State Park on Fidalgo Island, between the cities of Oak Harbor and Anacortes.
Celebrate the maritime heritage of the two participating Coast Salish tribes and enjoy canoe rides, singers, drummers and storytellers. Artists from the two tribes will demonstrate traditional weaving, cedar work and woodcarving. A salmon and fry bread lunch are also available for purchase during the event.
Event activities are presented by the Samish Indian Nation, the Samish Canoe Family, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Swinomish Canoe Family.
Proceeds from food sales at the celebration support the Samish and Swinomish canoe families’ participation in the annual intertribal canoe journey.
Each year, tribes and nations from the Pacific Northwest travel by canoe to a different host community along the Salish Sea.
The Discover Pass is not required to attend this event as it is a State Parks “free day.” Visitors are not required to display a Discover Pass to access state parks on free days.
Event details
What: Ninth Annual Salish Sea Native American Culture Celebration
When: Noon – 4 p.m., June 7
Where: Bowman Bay picnic area on the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass State Park, 41020 State Route 20 in Oak Harbor, WA.
Directions: To get to the Bowman Bay area at Deception Pass State Park, use the park’s entrance at the junction of Rosario Road and State Route 20. The entrance is north of the Deception Pass Bridge, by Pass Lake.
Note: The event is accessible to persons with disabilities. For special accommodations requests, call (360) 902-8626 or (360) 675-3767 or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at (800) 833-6388. Requests must be made in advance.
For more info, contact:
Jack Hartt, State Park Manager, (360) 675-3767 or jack.hartt@parks.wa.gov
Srey Ryser, State Parks, (360) 902-8626 or srey.ryser@parks.wa.gov
Leslie Eastwood, Samish Indian Nation, (360) 293-6404