Snoqualmie Falls in Washington is a place of healing and transformation for the Snoqualmie Tribe and other tribes in the Northwest. Photo by Meher Anand Kasam / Wikipedia
Chairwoman Carolyn Lubenau explains why the Snoqualmie Tribe of Washington opposes a transportation project that affects the sacred Snoqualmie Falls:
This summer construction crews began uprooting trees and bulldozing the ancient burial grounds of our ancestors to build a traffic roundabout. Even the discovery of a prehistoric spearhead, believed to be between 4,500 and 9,000 years old, didn’t stop them. As Snoqualmie City Mayor Matt Larson said, this controversial roundabout sets the stage for even more development. A sacred hillside just north of the falls — also ancient burial grounds of our people — is slated to eventually become another subdivision with nearly 200 homes. We ask all people who have been touched by Snoqualmie Falls to help us stop these plans. Over the years, the Snoqualmie Tribe has worked to protect Snoqualmie Falls from irresponsible development. Our tribe is not against development. In fact, we are proud to be a major employer in this region. But development on sacred land is irresponsible. We oppose the construction of the roundabout and the proposed housing development because we have a responsibility to protect our sacred land, clean water, forests and open spaces. In the months ahead, the Snoqualmie Tribe will be working to educate people about the sacredness of Snoqualmie Falls and why development around the falls is irresponsible.Get the Story:
Carolyn Lubenau: Snoqualmie Falls is sacred tribal ground and must be protected (The Seattle Times 10/14) Also Today:
Save Snoqualmie Falls protesters ask ‘Can you hear us now, mayor?’ (The Snoqualmie Valley Star 10/14)
Mayor defends Snoqualmie Falls-area development (The Snoqualmie Valley Star 10/7)
Bitter debate continues over development near ‘sacred’ Snoqualmie Falls (Q13 Fox 10/16)
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Snoqualmie Tribe fights
transportation project at sacred site (09/17) Snoqualmie Tribe upset with construction on sacred grounds (08/14)
Supporters open national prayer days to protect sacred places (06/19)
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