Every year at Snoqualmie Falls, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe observes the National Day of Prayer to Protect Native American Sacred Places. This year the event takes place on Friday, June 19th beginning at 6am. At the ceremony, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe adds its prayers, songs and energy to those of people around the globe gathering to pray for the protection of Native Sacred Places, many of which are in danger.
“Snoqualmie Falls is a place revered as sacred for thousands of years,” said Lois Sweet Dorman, Snoqualmie Tribal Council member. “Water is universally a Sacred Being, part of sacred ceremonies in faiths and religions across the world. For the Snoqualmie and other Indian Tribes of the Salish Sea region, this is the Transformer’s gift to the People; a place of healing and transformation. As Snoqualmie, it is our sacred duty and responsibility to be the Spiritual Stewards of Snoqualmie Falls.”
This year marks the 13th National Day of Prayer to Protect Native American Sacred Places. The event is recognized throughout the country with gatherings involving American Indians and non-Natives alike. The first National Day of Prayer took place in Washington D.C. and nationwide on June 20th, 2003 to emphasize the need for Congress to enact a cause of action to protect Native sacred places. That need still exists.
Over two million people come from all over the world to visit Snoqualmie Falls annually. With its 268-foot waterfall, the breathtaking site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property.
Snoqualmie Falls is a sacred landscape forever impacted by development, yet the push for more continues relentlessly. Says Sweet Dorman “We are still here. We are still praying. We remain united in Spirit. In the Spirit of Snoqualmie Falls.”
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Known as the People of the Moon, Snoqualmie tribal members were signatories to the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. For more information, visit http://www.snoqualmietribe.us.