Footsteps with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Washington

Well today I visited the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The Puyallup Indians have lived along the shores of Puget Sound in the State of Washington for thousands of years. In their native language they were known as S'Puyalupubsh, meaning "generous and welcoming behavior to all people (friends and strangers) who enter their lands." The membership of the Tribe has grown considerably, and is now in excess of 3,800 people.


I visited their Natural Resource Centre where their director Mr Bill Sullivan introduced me to the management of their tribal natural resource management operations.


I then visited the Cultural operation of the The Puyallup Indians where their Culture is documented, recorded and restored. Brandon Raynon is the tribal groups Tribal Archaeologist and Cultural regulatory specialist. 


The Tribe works to ensure that all aspect of their cultural program is incorporated in their natural resource management operations


Thank you Bill Sullivan (NRM), Brandon Raynon and Judy Wright (Historic Preservation) and also Paul Arnold (GIS Analyst) for taking the time to show me around your center and to let me gain insight into the Puyallup Tribe of 
Indians

Stepping to the Payullap Tribe

Today is my first visit to the Payullap Tribe of Native American Indians based in Tacoma, Washington.

Payullap Tribal emblem 

Stepping at Ellensburg

The last couple of day have been spent at Ellensburg, Washington at the famous Ellensburg rodeo. Cousin Tina plays in a pipe band (bagpipes) and the team were in the parade.

Stepping out to Microsoft

Wow, What a lovely day in Seattle. Weather is just like Toowoomba. Off to Microsoft for a grand tour with another cousin who works there. Going with my Cousin Tina, John and Bev.

My Cousin Gerry-Ann works at Microsoft

Me and the Microsoft Inventors 

Stepping in Seattle

Hey all,

Finally got to Seattle, Washington State (Tacoma) after 19 hours. Dam Qantas delayed in Brisbane and missed flight from Las Angeles . My Cousin Tina and her Mum meet me at the airport and took me shopping and showed me around. Just like being at home with this fantastic hospitality.

 Seattle Space Needle

House Boats from "Sleepless in Seattle"

Making Safe Steps

As I ponder my Journey today I remember a quotation I read in the Smithsonian Institute of the Native American Indian in Washington DC last year.

"We are on a human journey.
Everything in the Anishinaabe world is alive.
Everything has a spirit.
And everything is Interconnected"

As a major section of my journey is with the Anishinaabe people I am sure they and their blood brothers, sisters and ancestors will keep me safe and sound until I return to the river lands of my people.

Starting to make footsteps

Hey Family, Friends, and Kids from the Kulilla Kindy and Harlaxton State School. Today is the start of my journey. It's 5.15am on Wednesday 1st September and I am up and ready to leave Toowoomba for Brisbane International airport to depart at 11.00am to the United States