Tribe to describe whale salvage tradition
Photo courtesy Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute/Craig Hayslip
Oregon has come a long way since 1970, when a whale carcass in Florence was blown up with disastrous results. The fate of a whale that recently washed up in Yachats was much more meaningful.
This Saturday, June 6, members of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians will explain how the tribe is using parts from the whale in ways that reflect the cultural and spiritual relationship between Indigenous communities and the ocean.
The presentation, titled “In Our Own Words: Honoring Whale, Centering Tribal Story,” will take place at the Amanda Gathering Area in Yachats.
Presented in partnership with View the Future, the afternoon gathering will focus on the cultural, historical and contemporary significance of honoring the whale through tribal perspectives and storytelling. Speakers include Lisa Norton, Todd Logan, Josh Rilatos, Zena Green and Angela Sondenaa, whose participation reflects a shared commitment to cultural responsibility and lived experience.
Held outdoors near the Amanda Trail, the event is designed as a time for listening, reflection and dialogue, centering tribal values and allowing the tribe to share its story on its own terms.
There is no parking directly at the Amanda Gathering Area. Guests may park at the Yachats Ocean Road parking area, Yachats Commons or Yachats Presbyterian Church. Shuttle service will depart from the east entrance of Yachats Presbyterian Church at noon and 12:30 pm, with return service available following the presentation. The Yachats Trolley will also provide transportation to designated stops near the site.
Water and cookies will be provided, and the Yaa-tr’ee-yan Siletz Valley School mobile kitchen trailer will serve modern traditional native cuisine. A $10 donation to View the Future is requested but not required.
Saturday’s gathering begins at 1 pm at the Amanda Gathering Area along the Amanda Trail in Yachats. For more information, go to viewthefuture.org or ctsi.nsn.us.