Each year the Skokomish tribe gathers to honor its elders and heritage. This year, a ‘chum run’ (a mini-marathon) was held with prizes to those who entered. A 1st Elk ceremony to honor these magnificent animals sustaining the tribe for countless generations was performed to bless the cornucopia of food gathered from the Skokomish traditional lands shared with all who attended this cultural event.
Corn to be Roasted in an Open Pit of Heated Rocks
The generous mountain of food graciously prepared by tribal members to share with all consisted of servings of elk, venison, salmon, creamed turkey, chicken, ham, oysters, Hood Canal spotted shrimp, cabbage, watermelon, beef pasta, potato salad, beverages, turkey breast, bread rolls, sauces & gravy, pies, cakes, berry cobbler, cupcakes, and desserts of every description.
Hood Canal Spotted Shrimp
These Shrimp were Firm, Fresh, and Tasty...no sauce needed
Spotted Shrimp unique to Local Waters
The rest of Mason County may look like the aftermath of the Pied Piper due to its high incidence of retirees, but the Skokomish had an abundance of healthy beautiful children at this gathering in its well maintained park.
Swinging on a Star
Oh to be on Sugar Mountain, w/the barkers & the colored balloons...
Skokomish Mother keeps up w/her Daughter
Assorted Gifts for the Elders
Each year, the tribe gives its elders an assortment of gifts such as T-shirts, jams, honey, teas, potpourris, and traditionally decorated blankets for its eldest members.
Native American wearing Traditional Northwest hat
Tribal Elder Wearing Traditional Northwest Hat
Skokomish Boy w/Younger Brother
Young Man at Skokomish Elders Picnic
The ‘chum run’ mini-marathon participants got an early start about 1 hour before the 1st Elk blessing and ceremony. The ‘chum run’ is a mini-marathon arranged as part of the Skokomish Tribe’s annual 1st Elk & Elders picnic. All runners are given prizes.
8-20-11 Skokomish Chum Run
Master of Ceremonies announces presentations
Hunters gather before Blessing of the Elk and Prayer Ceremony
The Skokomish Tribe conducts their annual 1st Elk Ceremony at the picnic to honor the Elders and their heritage.
8-20-11 Skokomish 1st Elk Ceremony
A Skokomish Tribal Elder offers a prayer to bless the Elk, invoking its spirit, at their annual 1st Elk Ceremony and Elders picnic.
8-20-11 Skokomish 1st Elk Ceremony Prayer
A Skokomish Tribal Elder offers a short explanation of the blessing and prayer for the 1st Elk ceremony, invoking its spirit, at their annual 1st Elk Ceremony and Elders picnic.
8-20-11 Skokomish 1st Elk Ceremony background explanation
An Elder enjoys the camaraderie and traditions
Skokomish Native beams
Traditional headdress & drum
Ceremonial Drumming Log
Audio Visual/Production Artist & Visitor from Arizona
Hugs of Reassurance before 1st Elk Ceremonial Procession
Ceremonial Procession & Hunters honor Elk spirit
Thanks and Reverence for Nature's Bounty
1st Elk arrives for Blessing
1st Elk Offering shared with community
Skokomish Native Heritage & Culture Honored in Ceremony and Prayer
An Embarrassment of Riches
"Are You from The Journal?" --J. Snetzler--
Role Model for Skokomish Girls
1st Elk Prayer Song Blessing
Crowd Observes Prayer-Song Blessing
Skokomish 1st Elk Banquet & Elders Picnic
Father & Daughter
Family, Friends, Food, Heritage
Playground at the Skokomish Tribal Park
Skokomish Elder Veteran
Winner of Raffle for Squirt Boat/Kayak
Eldest Woman Honored w/Blanket Gift
Native Elder Pleased w/Her Blanket, Recognition
Warm Friends, Memories for Ms. Margaret Paz, an Apache, 91 yo
Elder Woman leaves after Pleasant Meal, Memories
Eldest Male Honored w/Blanket Gift
Elders Invited to Speak to Tribe
8-20-11 Interview w/Lummi Tribal Elder
‘Jerri’, a Lummi tribal elder, describes a bit about herself and the nature of the gathering (1st Elk Ceremony & honoring of the elders) where this interview was conducted.
