Willamette Wetlands of the Kalapuya Honoring Ceremony
WHAT: Ceremony for the Willamette Wetlands of the Kalapuya – a new Eugene mural and Educational Project* - Download the event flyer (PDF)
WHEN: Saturday, July 9 from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
WHERE: Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. Community Center located in Westmoreland Park [1545 W 22nd Ave, Eugene, OR 97405]
EVENT SPONSORS: Beyond Toxics and Friendly Area Neighbors
DETAILS: No registration required! Free! Family Friendly! Complimentary snacks will be provided by Beyond Toxics
OPB Story: "Kalapuya's relationship to native plants focus of new mural" by Brian Bull
The 64 ft. Kalapuya Culture mural painted on the east side of the Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. Center Community Center depicts a seasonal round, an annual cycle of storytelling, gathering plants for their roots, seeds and fibers and celebrating the gifts of nature through ceremony. The mural is located adjacent to rare prairie wetlands that have survived in Eugene’s Westmoreland Park (known for its disc golf course).
This highly visible mural and educational kiosk displayed in the heart of the wet prairie area indicates our community’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for Native American cultural, historical, and environmental knowledge.
The Honoring Ceremony will feature (in order):
Rayna Viles, member of the Confederated Tribe of the Siletz Indians and Beyond Toxics board member
Mayor Lucy Vinis, giving a Land Acknowledgement and statement on behalf of the City
Senator James Manning, sharing words of appreciation
Esther Stutzman, Kalapuya elder and cultural consultant, and her daughter Shannin Stutzman sharing Kalapuya cultural narratives
Dr. David Lewis, professor of Ethnic Studies at OSU and former curator of the Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center
Susan Applegate, mural artist, sharing insights into the creation of the mural
The Splachta Alla Singers sharing songs and drumming of Willamette Valley tribal people
Lisa Arkin, Beyond Toxics Executive Director, will give closing remarks
* The project is supported by grants from the City of Eugene Office of Human Rights and Neighborhoods, Gray Family Fund and Spirit Mountain Community Fund.
Thank you to our co-collaborators and partners in this project:
Beyond Toxics (project lead), Friendly Area Neighborhood Equity Action Team, City of Eugene Parks and Open Space, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and the Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley.
Thanks also to our business sponsors:
Rainbow Valley Design & Construction, Café Mam, WildCraft Cider Works, GloryBee, Farmers Union Coffee Roasters, Garden Fever!
