A peace of the solution
Yachats Peace Hike strives for understanding
On New Year’s Day, Yachats will host the 15th annual Peace Hike gathering, a meaningful event that honors the legacy of the indigenous peoples who endured immense suffering under government-sponsored genocidal policies during the 19th Century.
The more than three-hour long event, beginning and ending at the Yachats Commons, includes ceremonies, drumming and guided trail walks with a variety of distance options.
To begin the day of reflection, the Yachats community drum will be available at the commons. People who wish to join in with the drumming are welcome to do so.
The opening ceremony will officially begin with the lighting of the fire at the commons, and will include storytelling by Tribal members and the recounting of the story of Amanda, an indigenous woman commemorated with a statue at Cape Perpetua.
Next, the trail walks will commence. Participants can choose from several options indicated on a map designed by the Yachats Trails Committee and available at the commons. The hike to the Amanda Gathering Area is a little more than two miles, but parking options will be available for those not wishing to hike the full distance. Volunteers at the commons will provide instructions.
A special ceremony, led by Tribal members, will take place at the Amanda Gathering Area.
Both the Amanda Gathering Area and the commons will hold closing ceremonies. Participants are invited to place their cedar sprigs in the ceremonial fires, which will then be respectfully closed.
The Peace Hike commemorates the tragic history of the Alsea Subagency, highlighting the story of Amanda, who was forcibly separated from her daughter and marched barefoot with other captives over 80 miles of rugged terrain to the Alsea Subagency prison camp in Yachats in 1864.
This annual gathering serves as a solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives and a celebration of the resilience of their descendants, many of whom participate in the event each year.
The Peace Hike invites participants to reflect on the atrocities faced by the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw and Alsea peoples and to deepen their understanding of this painful history. To support learning and reflection, participants are encouraged to watch the video “The Genocide of the Alsea Subagency,” narrated by Patricia Whereat Phillips, Miluk Coos and the late Chief Donald Slyter of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. A link to the video, as well as more information about Amanda’s story, can be found at the View the Future website at viewthefuture.org.
View the Future is a locally based nonprofit organization that works with landowners and community partners to preserve, protect and enhance local forest lands, viewsheds, watersheds and shorelines and the culture, aesthetics and heritage of the Yachats area.
Water, energy bars and cookies prepared by the Yachats Ladies Club will be available at both the commons and the Amanda Gathering Area.
All participants will receive a beautifully crafted Peace Hike button designed by Quuiich artist Morgan Gaines of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.
Yachats Trails Committee members will be on hand at the commons to provide guidance, maps and answer any questions.
The Yachats Commons is located at 441 Hwy. 101. For more information, email joannekittel@viewthefuture.org or yachatstrails@gmail.com.
Schedule of Events
9:30 am - Drumming will begin at the Yachats Commons
10 am - Fire lighting and storytelling at the Yachats Commons
10:30 am - Trail walks commence
Noon - Special ceremony led by Tribal members at the Amanda Gathering Area
1 pm - Closing ceremonies at the Yachats Commons and Amanda Gathering Area