The great hunter and provider, he is the host, the speaker and the leader, he is controlling the floor, keeping the gathering smooth, he reassures that all will have the best possible time at the gathering. He represents The journey of the Salish Seas and a celebration of indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast and all of the Pacific Rim, a rim that connects us to the world. He is holding a talking stick that represents a piece that was found on Harstine Island to show he has the floor that he will ultimately keep order to reassure that the flow of the gathering will continue and that all whom are present will learn what they came for and that memories will be made and built. Stories will be told and history will continue for all who gather in this place of greatness. He too will be looking over, welcoming and protecting everyone as they approach the space, and doing what welcome figure where meant to do. Its also his job to engage the people and make them feel welcome and safe and to reassure all who visit that we will continue to gather, and someone is always listening. At the same time he wants to bring awareness to the environmental issues the Salish Seas are facing in hopes that he can make people think about their daily lives and how together we can make a safer stronger and healthy environment for all. The holder of Talking Stick is entitled to share their views and be heard with respect, before passing the stick onto another speaker. For generations, they have been used within the Pacific Northwest and surrounding areas particularity by a Speaker during potlatch and other gatherings. Talking sticks represent authority and teaching. My hope is by entrusting him to stand until the end of time. He will tell his story and educate the way we all need. He will tell the story that all need to hear all while protecting and making sure the gathering will flow. This is an old war club found on Harstine Island in Mason County….. One of my favorite pieces so this was one of the first things that came to mind with things the way they are and people not being able to gather we need to remember we will gather again and gather only stronger to tell our story…Salish Seas The Salish Sea is a powerful body of water that takes care of us all. On the regalia of both “Creator” and “Mowitch Man” I will be telling the story of the “Underwater World” and the importance of taking care of our environment and the effect that it has had on a world that just a few of us get to see. As a fisherman on the sound I started at a young age my parents would wrap me in a baby board made specially for me and they hung me from a root wad, while they checked their nets to provide for our family. I too started supporting my family in the same fashion and not only am I a fisherman and clam digger, but I’ve been a diver for 27 years now and have had the privilege to see this environment and changes that have happened in the last couple decades. As we all watched the mom and baby whale in 2018, a grief struck mom just trying to save her little one. We have asked ourselves why? What could we have done? But most importantly now, what can we do? The depleting kelp beds and disappearing moon snails that are a delicacy to our people that once covered our shores and to watch them underwater as they slowly move next to fast moving crab and fluttering flounders whom look like they hover over their babies to protect them from the unknown. Well there was a time when things were harvested to support each other both non-commercially and commercially thru trade but they were harvested correctly. We took into consideration all living life and harvested in a way to keep balance. This is something that needs to be taught to all or we will not have the enjoyment we have today while watching our children play on these shores, the foods will not be here to enjoy the animals will not hover and glide. It is our job to educate each other on these issues and remind people to only take what you need and to make sure to keep our eco-system balanced