Adds prayers, songs and energy to those gathering to pray for the protection of Native Sacred Places around the globe
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 23 beginning at 6:30 AM. 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.
“Water is universally sacred, and in the Pacific Northwest the cycles of water are very prominent in our native culture,” said Lois Sweet Dorman, Snoqualmie Tribal Council member. “We Snoqualmie feel intimately connected to Snoqualmie Falls. It is an inherently sacred place. On June 23, we will gather at this place of our creation and join our voices with those of other tribes around the globe as we pray for the protection of sacred places like Snoqualmie Falls.”
This year marks the 15th National Day of Prayerto 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. As Snoqualmie, it is our sacred duty and responsibility to be the Spiritual Stewards 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 Elliot in 1855. The Tribe owns and operates the Snoqualmie Casino and the Crescent Market at Snoqualmie, set to open this June.