The meeting of the Hood Canal Improvement Club was called to order at 7:15 p.m. President McArthur led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard welcomed our evening’s guests, Gloria Howard, Rick Mackwell (Pat Orr’s nephew), Linda Ferguson (Sharon Darling’s sister), and guest of honor and guest speaker, Gordon James from the Skokomish Tribe. Richard introduced Gordon as past Tribe Chair, Cultural Leader and master storyteller for the Skokomish people, and then turned the meeting over to him.
Gordon told some of the history of the Skokomish people, who had nine villages around the Hood Canal area in ancient times, and how they were organized in their villages to best support all of the people, who were mostly related to each other. Gordon told about how looking back in time at how the old villages were organized helps them see how a modern community developed over time. When it came time to select a mate, they travelled to neighboring villages and spent time with their intended until such time as the marriage took place. Then the couple would live either in the husband’s or wife’s village, as was deemed best for both, as well as both villages. Harmony and balance were the goal, as well as minimizing cultural conflicts. The Skokomish people had their own language, cultural system and values that they handed down to their children. The village might have 200 people living in it, so they weren’t large groups of people. Gordon also spoke about the concept of “Indian time”, which addresses more priority than punctuality, as well as concepts of the “future”. The future can be seen as relatively short-term or long-term in scope (short term would be “do we have enough supplies to last the winter?” and long-term addresses considerations of actions taken now affecting many generations to come). Mr. James graciously took several questions and everyone seemed to enjoy his presentation very much. We thank Gordon for sharing his valuable insights into Skokomish culture and tradition.
The minutes from the December meeting were approved as presented. The Treasurer’s report from December was approved as presented. Other business will be addressed at the March meeting.
Richard circulated a sign-up sheet for all interested in helping maintain the Dalby Waterwheel. Thanks to all who signed up and expressed a willingness to help the waterwheel.
President McArthur thanked our evening’s hosts Constance Ibsen and Ed Binder, also Helen Robel, Becky Russell as well as others who lent a hand, including Richard McArthur. Many thanks to them all!
“For the good of the order” included an announcement by President McArthur that there will be a fund-raiser pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 5th from 8am - 11am at the Union Fire Hall to benefit UFD Matt Henirich’s ongoing health support.
Val Johnson reported that a representative from PUD #1 is scheduled to speak to the UTA on Wednesday regarding the hydropower possibilities for the Dalby Waterwheel. She suggested that we might want to have the same presentation perhaps at our March meeting.
Ed Binder said that PUD #1 had held a meeting a couple of weeks ago to discuss their comprehensive water plan for the future, and thought it would be good if we would host such a forum in the future.
Constance Ibsen notified the group that the Webb Hill Bio-Recycling Plant is due for re-certification and recommended that the HCIC host a public forum to discuss this issue. She mentioned that when she contacted the Department of Ecology to learn more about the re-certification process, she was amazed to learn that the Bio-Recycling Plant is a self-regulated site, and not overseen by DOE. Mr. Kyle Dorcy will be preparing and writing the report which is due in April of this year. Constance volunteered to write a letter inviting Mr. Dorcy to make a presentation to the HCIC, and will bring it to our next meeting for all to sign. Ed Binder recommended a copy be sent to the Mason County Board of Commissioners.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Johnson, Secretary
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