An Interview with Rosie Cayou James
We are honored to share an interview with Rosie Cayou James, an esteemed Indigenous elder whose wisdom and stories echo the deep connection between people, land, and tradition.
LIFRC: Thank you so much for sharing with us today Rosie. To start, could you tell us a little bit about yourself, so that those out there who don’t know you, can become acquainted with you and the work you do?
Rosie: Of course. Before I tell you who I am, though, I’d like to open by expressing gratitude for all those who are caring for the ancestors’ land. My name is Rosie Cayou James and I am an elder from the Coast Salish peoples, a descendant of tribes that once lived on these sacred lands. I don’t particularly identify as Samish, Swinomish, or Lummi—I’m a descendant of the Coast Salish people. My roots go deep, stretching back to Fidalgo Island where I was born. My father was born on Orcas, my grandfather on Orcas, and my maternal grandfather was born on Guemes. Our connection to these lands is profound, it is spiritual. I feel that this connection is something that is passed down through generations, and it’s one of the reasons I’m sharing today.
LIFRC: That’s beautiful. You mentioned Guemes Island specifically. What is it about Guemes that called you to return?
Rosie: Yes, we call Guemes the “healing island.” It’s only five minutes away from Anacortes, but it holds much more than just geography. I returned because I wanted to be closer to the sacred places—our ancestors walked and lived here. It wasn’t just about moving back; it was about honoring the ancestors, who were taken from the islands. Though their bodies were removed, their spirits remain. I wanted to give comfort to them, to remind them that they have not been forgotten.
LIFRC: It’s clear that traditions are deeply important to you and are a huge part of the work you do. How do you see the blending of traditional knowledge with modern ways of life?
Rosie: Blending the knowledge of our ancestors with the new cultures around us is a delicate balance. The way I see it, we are constantly in danger of losing that connection if we don’t keep it fluid. It’s like the flow of a river—it must keep moving, adapting, while still maintaining its core essence. History is like a handful of sand, if we lose even one grain, that history changes, it loses part of its life. The river, on the other hand, is constantly renewed by rain and snow, never losing its spirit, just changing. That’s how we must be. We must observe, absorb, and keep learning. And we must never forget the sacredness of our culture, of the land.
LIFRC: What role does this sacredness of the earth play in the teachings?
Rosie: The earth, the rivers, the mountains—everything we walk upon is sacred to us. It’s not something to be taken lightly. Many people walk upon the earth without thinking about it. They carry anger, greed, and negativity, and don’t realize how that poisons the land. It’s heartbreaking to see. Our ancestors would never have understood such greed. Our traditions are rooted in respect for the earth, in understanding that we are caretakers, not owners. When I walk on this land, I carry the memory of my ancestors with me. If I die with just a pinch of soil from where they were born, I would die a wealthy woman. This land is our wealth, our spirit, our life.
LIFRC: I can see how deeply connected you are to the earth. What do you think is the way forward for us as a community, as a nation, as a world, in terms of healing both the earth and our culture?
Rosie: The first thing we need to do is observe. Take time each day, even if it’s only for a minute, to think about the earth. The sacredness of the soil, the air, the water. Even if you’re walking on concrete, you can still connect. You can visualize your feet touching the earth, feeling the energy flowing through you. This is where healing begins. You must stay fluid, like the river, and not let the toxicity of modern life trap you in rigid ways. We must blend old knowledge with new, but always keep it moving, never losing the essence of what is sacred.
LIFRC: You mentioned earlier about the concept of ‘fluidity’ in culture and tradition. Can you elaborate on that?
Rosie: Fluidity is key. If we let our culture become stagnant, if we cling to the past without adapting, we lose something vital. Tradition is not about living in the past—it’s about learning from it and bringing it into the present. The river doesn’t stop flowing, even as it gathers new water. We need to keep our practices alive, but we also need to adapt to what’s happening in the world today. It’s a balance between honoring the old ways and weaving them into the fabric of modern life. This way, we can create unity among cultures, honor the earth, and keep the sacred teachings alive.
LIFRC: That’s such a profound way of looking at things. As we look ahead, how do you see yourself contributing to the future?
Rosie: I am 73 now, and in 12 years, I’ll be 85. I don’t have much time left, but I want to leave something behind that is fluid, something that continues to flow, like the river. This work isn’t just about Native teachings—it’s about sharing wisdom from all cultures. The farmers, the fishermen, the families who raise animals—they all have their own culture, their own way of life. We must find a way to weave those cultures together, creating unity, building respect, and protecting what is sacred. In this unity, we can begin to heal the earth and ourselves.
LIFRC: I love that you see connection, not division, between all cultures. Do you think this idea of unity can help us address the challenges we’re facing today, like climate change?
Rosie: Yes, absolutely. Climate change is a global crisis, and it will not stop unless humans begin to give back to the earth. We’ve taken too much for too long, and now the earth is crying out for help. But it’s not too late. If we all begin to see ourselves as caretakers, if we begin to listen to the land and honor its sacredness, we can start to heal the world. Gratitude is key. It’s not just about Native teachings or Western teachings—it’s about listening to the earth, to the animals, to each other, and working together to restore balance.
LIFRC: You mentioned the animals, and I remember you telling a beautiful story about your father and his bond with the orcas and a goat. Can you share that with us?
Rosie: Oh yes, my father had a deep connection with nature. His best friend was a goat, given to him from a man on Stuart Island. He raised that goat like a puppy. They would go out in a boat together, and my dad would visit the orcas with the goat. The orcas and the goat would touch noses in a kind of communion. It was a beautiful, simple reminder of how we are all connected. Animals, water, earth—they all speak to us, and we must learn to listen.
LIFRC: That story really speaks to the deep interconnection you feel with all of creation. As we finish, what would you want people to take away from this conversation?
Rosie: I want people to understand the sacredness of the earth and the importance of staying fluid—like the river. We must observe, absorb, and connect with the earth every day. We must honor the ancestors, honor the land, and respect all cultures. And we must remember that the earth is sacred, that the spirits are with us, guiding us. Together, we can heal this world, one step at a time.
LIFRC: Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom today Rosie. Your words are truly a gift.