Coast Salish: Land, Sea & Place (CSLSP)

This year marks the fourth session of Coast Salish: Land, Sea & Place (CSLSP), an experiential youth learning project led by Samish Indian Nation’s 13 Moons Curriculum. We are beyond grateful to the Samish Indian Nation Education Department, knowledge keepers, artists and Elders who so generously make this important program possible for Lopez youth. Slowly, steadily and in deep respect, Lopez youth are expanding what it means to live here in these islands.

It’s been an honor to share the teachings of the plant people and weave in the history of the Coast Salish people of this particular land, sea, and place with the Lopez Island youth over the past few years.

– Elder/Tribal Educator

This is my third year at camp. I feel like the Elders have watched me grow up and now they are teaching my younger sister. I want to say that they are the coolest people I have met in my life. It’s my favorite kind of learning. They teach things that matter.

– Lopez Youth

CSLSP is a unique opportunity that centers Indigenous perspectives and sovereignty. When we step outside of the classroom and into this land and sea that we call home, the opportunity to reinterpret our place here is awe-inspiring.

Each year we have introduced new hands on exploration, including making cordage from stinging nettles, making small place mats from cattails or tule, weaving fish nets, making cedar bark roses, and making medicinal salves from infused cedar oil and plantain.

– Elder/Tribal Educator

I like the stories of the seasons. How every season has plants and animals and songs. I see those things and I think of those stories.

– Lopez Youth

At its heart, education is a deeply cultural endeavor, with important local connections and implications for youth, communities, and societies. Since time immemorial, Coast Salish communities across the region have valued local context, culture, and history as integral to the education its young people received. Lopez youth are privileged to be included in their knowledge sharing.

And the knowledge flows in both directions.

“These youth have taught me just as much as I have taught them. They taught me what the world is like through their eyes and how to help them expand their knowledge, reach them and enjoy time with them,” says one of the Elders.

I never gave the thimbleberry much thought. Now I know it’s called t’éqwem’ and it’s probably the MOST important plant in my yard because it’s Nature’s Toilet Paper! Also, did you know that the Madrona got caught skinny dipping?

– Lopez Youth

I was weaving with an Elder and she asked me, ‘Who are your people?’ But I didn’t know. So, I asked my mom.

– Lopez Youth

This year’s program brought youth together across a full arc of experience. Their retreat began with Wilderness First Aid led by Backcountry Medical Guides, keeping one another safe while outdoors and gaining a certificate for future employment. From there, the group moved into outer island trips with Samish educators. With each season, there is always something new to explore together on Sucia and Jones. Fireside chats were filled with topics that sometimes require the quiet snapping of embers and the opportunity to warm your hands and just think: Treaty of Point Elliott, Reservation School System, Fish Wars — but also youth mental health and leadership. A fierce Coast Salish Jeopardy — Youth vs. Chaperones — rounded out the retreat. Hint: YOUTH WON.

A memorable highlight this spring was the “indigenous jeopardy” game, and witnessing the youth take the prize over the adult chaperones.

– Elder/Tribal Educator

I was actually shocked to learn that one person can make a typo and erase a Nation. Just like that! That doesn’t mean you don’t exist anymore. What if this was my family?

– Lopez Youth

To learn more about Samish Indian Nation and upcoming cultural events, visit: Samish June Culture Day & Potlatch.

Samish 13 Moons brings science, history, math, social studies, music and art in a format which recognizes that what Lopez youth are learning in the classroom does not adequately include the tribal perspective and experience. Whether learning ethnobotany on Sucia or weaving cedar headbands while cracking jokes with Elders, sharing songs of appreciation or practicing Samish words, Lopez youth are immersed in learning that will shape the next generation of Lopezians.

Thank you, our beloved Lopez Island community, for your contributions that make this project possible!

A memorable highlight this spring was the “indigenous jeopardy” game, and witnessing the youth take the prize over the adult chaperones.

I enjoy watching the middle schoolers mature over the years as they try new experiences, work through challenges, and take pride in their efforts. It’s especially rewarding to see them help each other figure out the best ways to approach the steps of completing a project. – 

-Elder/Tribal Educator

I feel really lucky to have this time. This isn’t something a lot of people get to experience. Now I cannot say ‘Oh, I didn’t know.’ I know.

-Lopez Youth

Thank you, our beloved Lopez Island community, for your contributions that make this project possible!