Please join us on
Wednesday, May 10 from 6:00-8:00 pm
for Learning and Healing at Xwotquem, a special edition of the Connect & Learn Downtown Series.
Event Details:
What: Learning and Healing at Xwotquem (Whatcom Creek) is crafted to advance our collective thinking about the potential for learning and healing at Xwotquem. The indigenous leaders of Whiteswan Environmental will share their hopes and dreams for the site. All participants will be able to share their experiences and vision for what's possible in this special place in our community, and meet others who care about its future.
When: Wednesday, May 10, 6:00-8:00 pm (Dinner opens at 5:30)
Where: Meet at First Baptist Church (110 Flora Street - Social Hall), We will take a short walk to Xwotquem together @ ~6:30-6:45, and formally conclude the event there. We don't want the walking element of the event to exclude anyone. If you need accomodations to participate, please email travis.tennessen@wwu.edu.
Who: We hope that a wide variety of people whose lives intersect with Xwotquem participate; all are welcome.
Event Background & Context: In February, Whiteswan Environmental led an inspiring and poignant walking tour to the mouth Xwotquem/Whatcom Creek as part their leadership of the NXT Gen Cohort of Community Engagement Fellows, which focuses on indigenous/non-indigenous relationship-building, healing, and collaboration. Kusemaat (Shirley Williams), Kwastlmut (Sadie Olsen), Suhunep Husmeen (Troy Olsen) and SEL.SO.T.IE (Loretta Olsen) of Lummi Nation/Whiteswan Environmental focused the group's attention on the symbolic and practical importance of Xwotquem for members of indigenous communities, and painful elements of its history including the displacement/exclusion of indigenous peoples and environmental degradation. Most importantly, they spoke to the potential of the site as a locus of learning and healing for our local communities and the Salish Sea Bioregion.
All are welcome, and participation is free. We hope to see you there!
Questions?
Jessie would love to talk with you! You can reach her at jessie@springchurchbellingham.com if you have any questions about Spring Church, this gathering, or would like prayer.