On Tuesday, March 24th 2015, Snoqualmie Tribal Chairwoman Carolyn Lubenau testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in Washington, DC.
Chairwoman Lubenau was an invited speaker and testified on the importance of Snoqualmie Falls; a sacred site to the Snoqualmie People. The Falls are located in Snoqualmie, Washington, 30 miles east of Seattle, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP).
With dozens of tribal leaders from across the country and members of Congress including Representative Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) listening on, Chairwoman Lubenau warned of the planned development of one of Washington State’s most beautiful sites, the Snoqualmie Falls.
“A new roundabout project, necessary for developing the area around Snoqualmie Falls, is about to begin construction directly adjacent to Snoqualmie Falls.” Chairwoman Lubenau testified. “The owners of the surrounding land have stated that they plan to use this roundabout to further develop the land around Snoqualmie Falls. Our sacred site is in imminent danger of further development and desecration.”
In addition to her testimony, Chairwoman Lubenau met with numerous Congressional leaders and federal government leaders to educate them on the importance to the Snoqualmie people and the surrounding community of keeping the area around the Snoqualmie Falls as pristine and undeveloped as possible. “It is our most sacred duty, honor, and responsibility to protect the Snoqualmie Falls,” Lubenau said. “The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe will continue to fight to protect this marvelous gift for generations to come.”