From: delisle@eskimo.celestial.com (Ben Delisle)
Newsgroups: alt.native,alt.pagan
Subject: Radio Commentary about Snoqualmie Falls and People.
Summary: Help save Snoqualmie Falls from distruction.
Keywords: Snoqualmie Falls, sacred place, developers,
Date: 14 Apr 92 08:07:01 GMT
Organization: Core Dump Apperciation Society
Organzation: The Watcher of the Watchers


        ***   From Commentary Presented On The Radio  ***
        ***   A few months back                       ***
       
                           --  *  --
	The cultural and ethnic identity of the Snoqualmie Tribe is
rooted in the area surrounding Snoqualmie Falls. Our creation story 
tells about the origin of the Snoqualmie Tribe, the transformation of
the Earth into food resources and the formation of Snoqualmie Falls. 
The Falls became one of the most sacred sites to the Snoqualmie people
as as well as to other indian tribes like the Yakima, Nez Perce, 
Duawamish and many others. The ascending mist of the Falls has 
traditionally symbolized the prayers of the indians to the Great Spirit.
The Snoqualmie believed that they individuals could dive into these 
waters and receive special powers from the Spirit of the Falls

	Traditionally Snoqualmie women and children along with protecting
warriors retreated to the basin at the base of the Falls to hide and
defend them selves from raiding parties. Several fierce battles were 
waged around the Falls and many of the slain Snoqualmie warriors were 
buried around the Falls.

	During the last five generations, the Snoqualmie have lost 
control of the stewardship of the Snoqualmie Falls and the Snoqualmie
Valley, though we have not lost our sense of responsibility as caretakers.
We have maintained our connection to our homeland. We continue to go to 
the Falls to receive spiritual power, to experience personal renewal
and pay respect to our fallen ancestors.

	Some 1.5 million people visit the Falls each year. Snoqualmie 
Falls has thus become one of the main tourist attractions of the state.
Snoqualmie Falls is 268 Feet high and the natural stand of trees 
surrounding Snoqualmie Falls preserves a natural elegance unequaled by
an artists brush.

	The growth in population in Puget Sound is forcing rapid 
urbanization of the area. Puget Power in seeking to renew it's 50 year
license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and has plans to
upgrade and divert even more water into turbines resulting in 290 days
a year when only 100 cubic feet per second go over the Falls. Less at 
night, most times none at all.

	Yet the Falls are more than a source of electrical power, or a 
majestic backdrop for a golf course 18th green. For centures, Snoqualmie
Falls has been a most holy place for the indigenous people of Western
Washington. The alterations wrought at the hand of new dwellers to the 
land are seen as desecrations. The diminuation of the flow over the Falls
is matched by a diminuation in the spirit power released there. No
one denies that electric power is important. But, so is the power of 
the spirit.

	Spiritual power has strengthened people of every race in every 
region in every age. Electric power moves machines, spiritual power moves
people. It frees slaves, remakes broken lives, ends wars, emboldens the
fearful,  comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable. It was
the power of thr spirit that tore down the Berlin Wall and faced tanks 
in Tienamen Square.

	Consequently the Snoqualmie Tribe and supporting groups are 
pushing for the  preservation of Snoqualmie Falls. We would like to see
Snoqualmie Falls restored to its former power and beauty. 

	The issue is clear. Will Snoqualmie Falls remain as one of 
Washington States top tourist attractions, or will the developers 
denude and desecrate the Falls? We believe that the Falls should be 
preserved as a historic sight in it's near prestine state. We believe
that the Falls should be accessable to all people. Help us to preserve
and keep Snoqualmie Falls accessable to the people of the Pacific 
Northwest.

	Physical and economic needs should never be met at the expense
of spiritual dignity. We are only stewards of the land. It will remain
as we passby.

	For more information write to the Snoqualmie Tribe, 18525 Novelty
Hill Road, Redmond, Washington 98052. Or call 206- 885-7464. 
                           ---   *   ---


 +-(c)--------------------------+ Information is the root of knowledge. 
 | delisle@eskimo.celestial.com |   Action is the root of experience. 
 +------------------------------+    Illusion is the root of reality.
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