Presentations, demonstrations, films and more greeted visitors to the Hummingbird Open House.
It was a gorgeous late summer day for the third annual X’NAM X’NAM Hummingbird Open House. On Sept. 26, Methow Descendants welcomed visitors to learn about their traditional homeland through family history, art, architecture, weaving, and ethnobotany.
John Sirois, Traditional Territories Coordinator, opened the day by sharing a traditional Interior Salish greeting, “stem̓ a spu?ús?, How is your heart?” and went on to share the unique value of the Methow Valley: all the food, medicines, and building materials the Methow needed grew right here.
Sirois recognized the people and local organizations who work to conserve the integrity of the ecosystem and generational knowledge of the valley. The Hummingbird property is home to multiple ecozones of shrub steppe, forest, and riparian areas that grow over 100 diverse plant species that provide building materials, clothing, food and medicine.
A teepee and tulee mat lodge graced the entrance to the main lodge where Elaine Timentwa Emerson and Cyndy Miller spoke with attendees about traditional weaving methods and plants used to create clothing and utilitarian goods. Family portraits hung around the room: Lucy Lakekin Jim holding a laughing baby George, CB Timentwa, Seolum, Mrs. Chiliwist Jim, Lena Condon, Lucy and Sophia Timentwa.
Two short films from the Methow Valley Interpretive Center (MVIC) featured Methow families sharing their stories. The short films can be viewed at any time at the MVIC.
After taking in the different exhibits that stretched across campus, visitors could stroll down to the river to view a salmon redd, or climb up to a scenic overlook.
The mətx̌?u/Methow People’s Board is comprised of over a dozen existing mətx̌?u families and provides cultural programming and stewardship of the land. The Methow People’s board is supported administratively by the Methow Conservancy and the Methow Valley Interpretive Center and operates with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation’s science, climate change, and property management plans.
The Hummingbird property, formerly known as Wagner Ranch, is a 328-acre site on East Chewuch Road north of Winthrop.
The importance of places like Hummingbird offer memory support for elders, and continued cultural and conservation education for youth. For more information, visit www.methowdescendants.org/.
On Sunday (Oct. 4) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Methow Descendents invite the community to enjoy food, song, and stories at the annual “Coming Home Celebration” at Homestream Park in Winthrop. The gathering honors returning salmon and reminds the community of the role we play in their future. Donations welcome.
