Chemakum Longhouse Project
Departure Festival is proud to support the Chemakum Longhouse Project of Jefferson County. This Native led project, created by Naiome Krienke, is gaining momentum as more people learn the significance of what it would mean to again have a Chemakum Longhouse in our community.
Longhouses were community hubs of great importance to local Native culture until the late 1800's and early 1900's, when many longhouses in our area were burned to the ground. Until recently, it was still illegal to build a Longhouse within Jefferson County.
There has been a false narrative that the Chemakum people were extinct. While a large number of Chemakum people were killed in the 1857 massacre, there were many who survived by fleeing. Those who survived are the ancestors of the Chemakum people of today. We feel that it is important to honor the indigenous people of our community by supporting this project.
Because we now know better, it is our responsibility to do better. As a community, we can show our support of the Chemakum people by donating financially, changing false narratives and keeping the conversation going. When we come together, we can make a positive difference. Let's do this!
Check out the link below to learn more or donate to the Chemakum Longhouse Project.