In the early 1800s, when Europeans first made their
way into the Northwest, Washington’s Colville Valley turned into a
melting pot. Canadian, Iroquois and Cree trappers joined the
Salish, followed by Jesuit missionaries, Hawaiians and Scottish,
Irish and French-Canadian fur traders in peaceful settlements along
the Columbia River. To explore the blending of cultures in the
valley nearly two centuries ago, the heritage program of the
Colville National Forest will host Journey Home: The Homecoming
Heritage Celebration, Aug. 21-24. The program is free and includes
demonstrations, music and speakers such as Pauline Flett, a teacher
and member of the Spokane tribe, who will discuss her newly
compiled dictionary of the Salish language. Also on tap are a canoe
trip, a Salish spiritual ceremony and a re-enactment of the fur
traders’ arrival in the valley. Dana Komen, one of the program’s
coordinators, says the celebration is planned to make history and
archaeology exciting. Call the Heritage Program at
509/684-7251.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline A Colville Valley homecoming.
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