Submitted by the Lopez Island Library

The Lopez Island Library, San Juan County and the San Juan Islands National Monument present the final two presentations in the Coast Salish Speaker Series. The Coast Salish Speaker Series supports conversation and connection between Lopez Island residents and members of Coast Salish tribal groups. The series was inspired by the Intertribal Canoe Journey, which has stopped on Lopez Island for the past few years.

The third presentation is at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, at the Lopez Center. Swinomish artist Kevin “Wa lee hub” Paul will discuss his life’s work as a contemporary and traditional Coast Salish wood carver. Paul is a Swinomish tribal elder and has taught northwest wood carving in the La Conner School District since 1994. He is a keeper of the drum and sings with the Skagit Valley Singers.

The final presentation is at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at the Lopez Center. Samish tribal member and Lopezian Sam Barr will present information on Tribal Canoe Journeys with some perspective on historical and contemporary practice. He will discuss the importance of canoes as a vessel of cultural revitalization within Coast Salish communities. Barr is a canoe skipper with the Stillaguamish Tribe and will also be present at the Mini Canoe Journey which arrives at Odlin Park on June 29 with a cultural celebration on June 30. Come to Barr’s presentation to learn more. Let us welcome both of these speakers and celebrate our shared land and history.