Call for Participation – Justice Activists!

 

The Social/Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC) and Covenant of Beloved Community need your support and participation.  BUF’s Social and Environmental Justice Committee is looking for several volunteers to help increase BUF’s justice capacity and engagement.  The Beloved Community needs new leadership and programming folks to monitor BUF’s implementation of the Covenant for Beloved Community by making BUF a truly inclusive and non-oppressive congregation.

 

Social and Environmental Justice.  SEJC is looking for individuals who would be willing sit on the executive committee whose main function is to coordinate SEJC business and program meetings (3 times a year) and fill officer positions such as Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, etc.  We have a situation where the same individuals have been filling these roles for years and we’d like to see some new faces and fresh ideas in our leadership.

 

Many of our current teams and positions need more people to participate in team activities.  More detailed descriptions of these efforts can be found on BUF’s website at https://wp.buf.org/justice/.  Our current positions and teams include:

 

• 
  SEJC Executive Committee
• Special Collections (establish coordinate monthly special collections for the year)
• Fair Trade (Fair Trade sales on Sundays and at other events)
• Black Lives Matter
• Environmental Justice (we especially need a BUF rep to the Multifaith Network for Climate Justice)
• Humanitas
• Immigrant Rights (we especially need a liaison with Bellingham’s Immigration Advisory Board.  Mialee Jose 
• once held the position, but has left the area and left this 
• spot vacant.  This is critical as the City Council is proposing the IAB project be paused/suspended).
• Interfaith Coalition
• Interweave (LGBTQAI+)
• Native American Connections Committee
• Refugee Resettlement

 

There is always room to add new teams and projects as well, so if your justice passion is not represented here, let me know and we’ll see how you can start up at team here at BUF or connect you with other congregations, groups and organizations.

 

Covenant for Beloved Community.  

Using the core text of the then-proposed 8^th Principle, the Covenant for Beloved Community was passed by congregational vote and the text of the resolution is here:  https://wp.buf.org/covenant-of-beloved-community/and the Covenant reads as follows:  

 

We, a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse, multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

 

Initially there was a team that worked with various teams and committees throughout BUF to evaluate their efforts and identify areas that continued to support (intentionally and unintentionally) non-inclusive oppressive process, attitudes and practices including racism, sexism, agism, homophobia and other forms of marginalization.  Several key leaders have moved on and we need folks to provide support to the congregation as it moves forward.  Some functions include providing updates to the whole congregation on BUF’s actions under the Covenant and assist teams and committees draft and implement plans and goals.

 

More background info on the Covenant of Beloved Community is here:  https://wp.buf.org/about-us/beloved-community/

 

Contact Deb Cruz, Ministry Action Team Coordinator and Community Beyond BUF lead, at dwcruz@comcast.net if you have any questions.

 Dr. Giles first met the Southern Resident killer whales as a teenager on a trip to the San Juan Islands from California. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, she became a research assistant and began her graduate study specializing in conservation biology and whale behavior, focused primarily on the Southern Resident killer whales. She serves as the Research Director for Wild Orca, monitoring the Southern Resident killer whales’ health.  Wild Orca’s high-impact conservation research program utilizes non-invasive sampling with Eba, her highly-trained scent detection dog. 

"We’re stronger together, so we collaborate with the most respected names in wildlife conservation research to paint a near real-time picture of the health of endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and provide timely data to the public and management agencies used to understand and address the causes of population decline.” 

Using the superpower of a dog’s nose allows our team to remain further away from the whales than other methods, making this research non-invasive. Wild Orca’s high-impact conservation research program utilizes one-of a-kind noninvasive methods. We’re stronger together, so we collaborate with the most respected names in wildlife conservation research to paint a near real-time picture of the health of endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and provide timely data to the public and management agencies used to understand and address the causes of population decline. 

Deborah Giles serves as the Research Director for Wild Orca, monitoring the Southern Resident killer whales’ health through non-invasive sampling with Eba, her highly-trained scent detection dog. Giles collaborates with government scientists and other researchers to enhance understanding of the many impacts on these endangered whales from overfishing, pollution and noise. She represents their interests with policymakers, and is frequently interviewed by print and broadcast media as one of the principal voices calling for the recovery of these endangered orcas.

 Whatcom / Lummi / Nooksack / Bellingham area residents: 

If you feel so moved, please sign & share (!) this petition encouraging the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County to issue Proclamations recognizing the natural rights of killer whales, specifically our Southern Residents.

https://www.change.org/p/encourage-whatcom-co-bellingham-proclamations-recognizing-the-natural-rights-of-orcas?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=067fea90-b4b8-11ea-8f59-41e78f83d9f6

WHEREAS, we make our homes and live our lives on Lhaq’temish and Coast Salish territories, and strive to embody the traditional ways of this place by practicing right, reciprocal relationship with these lands and waters and the native life contained herein,

WHEREAS, the Lhaq’temish term for orca – qwe’lhol’mechen – means “people under the water,” and recognizes the many ways in which orcas and humans are alike, both of us having unique and complex societies, loving families, language, culture, rituals, and song,

WHEREAS, ancestral teachings hold that that Lhaq’temish people and the Southern Resident Orcas in particular are one single family, with some members living above the water, and some wearing orca regalia that allows them to live below water, and all depending on wild Pacific salmon for physical, cultural, and spiritual sustenance,

WHEREAS, the natural rights of the “people under the water,” like the natural rights of those of us on land, include but are not limited to the right to life; sovereignty; culture; free and safe passage; and freedom from human-caused conditions causing famine or any other physical, emotional, or mental harm,

WHEREAS, our Southern Resident qwe’lhol’mechen neighbors and relations face extinction if we humans do not take meaningful action to ensure their survival and well-being, and the survival and well-being of the wild salmon on which they depend,

WHEREAS, we recognize that those among us who are Lhaq’temish, the qwe’lhol’mechen, and the wild salmon are profoundly entwined with one another, and so our love and good action for one is love and good action for all,

NOW, THEREFORE, we urge the governments of Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to immediately pass Proclamations that in no way compromise or infringe upon Lhaq’temish Treaty rights and do positively affirm and promote the natural rights of qwe’lhol’mechen to exist as they have since time immemorial.

 

All events and activities are open to the public!

Esqalph etse Kwelengsen 

(Gathering of the Eagles) 

May 21-29, 2023

CANOE PADDLE • POTLATCH & ALLIANCE OF PROTECTORS STRATEGY SESSION

 

We are so honored to be hosting the 3rd Annual Esqalph etse Kwelengsen ‘Gathering of the Eagles,’ a mini-canoe journey, potlatch and strategy session with the Alliance of Earth, Sky & Water Protectors, May 21-29, 2023. We invite you to celebrate a week-long canoe journey throughout the San Juan Islands with our destination landing at Lummi Nation on Friday, May 26^th about 4:00 pm. 

• Event details for each day can be found here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/348680987204571 or full details on events happening right now and throughout May 29th,
• Check the info packet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vPDfHkO1xDGPBSAhTmBTuReRQ5XrMA61/view?usp=share_link

 

Help support the event, connect with Tribal members, explore and experience Tribal cultures and learn how we can support a shared future honoring the Earth and each other.  Volunteers are needed to:

• Help manage the various activities and events (food prep and service, clean-up, etc.)

• Homestays for visitors (many will be UUs)

• Potluck meal contributions (or grocery items)! if you're planning on attending any of the meals, please consider bringing a food disk item to share.

Contact Deb Cruz @ dwcruz@comcast.net if you’re interested in lending a hand.

 

Financial donations are needed and gratefully accepted as well.  It is with your generous contributions that the Gathering of the Eagles is able to Unite Earth, Sky & Water Protectors with infrastructure needs, travel and food for all who visit our territory. All gifts are tax-deductible in partnership with our allies at Catskill Mountainkeeper.

Donate here:  https://www.catskillmountainkeeper.org/house_of_tears_carvers_donations

 

Join and follow the Canoe Paddle • May 21-26

Canoes:  Carvers Camp from Tacoma WA, Chief Leschi School from Puyallup and Hawaiian Voyaging Canoe Society from Maui HI

• May 21st Lopez Island
• May 22nd San Juan Island
• May 24th Orcas Island 

On Lummi Nation reservation join in the Potlach and Strategy Sessions • May 26-29

2877 Lummi Shore Drive Bellingham WA 98226

• May 25th Volunteer Orientation (Wex’liem Community Bldg)
• May 26th Canoe Landing @ Lummi Nation (Stommish Grounds)
• May 27th Honoring Potlatch (Wex’liem Community Bldg)
• May 28th Alliance Strategy Circle (Wex’liem Community Bldg)
• May 29th Alliance Strategy Talks (Wex’liem Community Bldg)

May 26^th Canoe Landing at Lummi

4:00 pm - Landing Ceremony, Lummi Stommish Grounds

5:00 pm – Dinner, Wex’liem Community Bldg (bring a potluck dinner dish)

6:00 pm - Protocol Ceremony, Wex’liem Community Bldg

 

May 27^th Potlatch & Honoring Ceremony

Esqalph etse Kwelengsen will host an honoring ceremony potlatch-style with a water blessing ceremony, public testimony, food and gift-exchanges including a healing ceremony.  Our featured speakers include:  Jim Thomas (Tlingit), Jewell James (Lummi), Esther Lewis (Dine’) Rueben George (Tsleil-Waututh).  The Gathering will also be Honoring Women Warriors:

Amy George – Tsleil-Waututh

Fawn Sharp – Quinault Nation

Deborah Parker – Tulalip Tribe

Winona LaDuke – Anishinaabekwe

7:00 am:  Breakfast (bring a potluck breakfast dish)

9:00 am:  Water Blessing Ceremony

10:00 am:  Welcoming and Public Testimony

11:00 am:  Lunch (bring a potluck lunch dish)

12:30 pm:  Calling of Witnesses and Explanation of Spiritual Work

1:30 pm:  Ceremony

4:00 pm:  Healing and Protectors Blessing

4:45 pm:  Acknowledgements

5:00 pm:  Dinner (bring a potluck dinner dish)

6:30 pm:  Coastal Jam • Cultural Exchanges • Presentations

11:00 pm

 

May 28^th Alliance Strategy Sessions

7:00 am:  Breakfast (bring a potluck breakfast dish)

8:00 am:  Prayer Circle

9:00 am:  Alliance of Earth, Sky & Water Protectors

12:00 pm:  Lunch (bring a potluck lunch dish)

1:00 pm:  Afternoon breakout Session I

3:00 pm:  Afternoon breakout Session I 

5:00 pm:  Dinner (bring a potluck dinner dish)

 

May 29th, 2023 Alliance Strategy Talks

7:00 am:  Breakfast (bring a potluck breakfast dish)

8:00 am:  Prayer Circle

9:00 am:  9:00 am:  Alliance of Earth, Sky & Water Protectors and Apache Stronghold (Oak Flat)

12:00 pm:  Clam Bake

 

 

Here's your opportunity to advance justice through the WA State Legislature! Here is your opportunity to add your voice to important pieces of legislation now making their way through the legislature.  Please take a few minutes and show your support or opposition. JUUstice Washington is currently tracking bills through the Take Action Network (TAN) and we encourage you all to sign up! TAN will notify you on a daily basis any events or activities in the legislature that you will want to act on. You set the parameters and follow the bills of your choice and priority. Select JUUstice Washington as one of your favorites and you'll see legislation that is either supported or opposed by us. Working with TAN helps us to get information out in a more timely fashion. If you don't use TAN, you run the risk of missing out on opportunities to get important information across the finish line as I can only get info out so fast myself. There's a lot going on in the Legislature! Sign up here. JUUstIce Washington will be putting out a list of legislation that it will be following very shortly. Also, we'll be putting up the video from the Environmental Justice Legislative Summit conducted this past Saturday, so be on the lookout for it. Legislation with hearings today through February 5th are below. You have up to 24 hours after the hearing to submit written comments or note your pro/con position. DEADLINE: Jan 30 12:30pm Support HB 1513 (Traffic safety)  Support SB 5441 Diversity Equity and Inclusion in school curricula Support SB 5371 (Orca vessel protection) DEADLINE: Jan 30 3:00pm Support HB 1024 (pay a fair wage to people in prison) Support HB 1012 Support Heating and Cooling Centers for Extreme Weather Events) DEADLINE: Jan 31 8:00am Support SJR 8202 amending the WA State Constitution to protect women's reproductive rights.  Email Senator Cleveland, Chair Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee. Ask her to move it out of committee! DEADLINE: Jan 31 12:30pm Support SB 5322 ( Buy Clean, Buy Fair) DEADLINE: Jan 31 3:00pm Support HB 1579 (Independent prosecutions) Oppose HB 1363 (Vehicular pursuits) DEADLINE: Jan 31 4:00pm HB 1391 - Concerning energy in buildings DEADLINE: Feb 2 9:30am Support SB 5179 'Death with Dignity Act' DEADLINE: Feb 3 7:00am Support HB 1541 Nothing About Us Without Us Act (increasing access and representation for underrepresented) DEADLINE: Feb 3 8:00am Support HB 1639 Concerning the Billy Frank Jr. national statuary hall selection committee I am very much aware that there are many, many more pieces of legislation to consider that are not mentioned here. As I get more information on some of those bills, we'll be adding them to our list of things to do! Deb Cruz President, JUUstice Washington

Some of the upcoming 2023 Justice-related Legislative Priorities

You’ll be hearing more from me on what’s happening in the legislature this year.  There are a number of social and environmental justice issues that we’ll be trying to tackle.  Many are environmental justice right now, but as the economic and racial justice priorities are established, I’ll be passing those along as well.

We've got our work cut out for us this year and we'll need all hands on deck!!

Oh my goodness, but we do have a lot of work coming up in this legislative session!  It's a long session that begins January 9, 2023, and the last day of session is April 24, 2023. I've gathered together some of the information on our partners' legislative priorities this year as well as some dates for advocacy days and training opportunities. This is, by no means a complete list, and as the other groups we look to get their information out, we'll be passing it on. If anyone out there is interested, we do need to have some folks monitoring what's happening on a Federal level. Anyone interested, please contact me! JUUstice Washington Legislative 2023 Priorities JUUstice Washington will be holding its annual JUUstice Washington towards the end of January (we've not settled on a date yet) and is actively engaged with supporting partners and allies on a variety of justice efforts that will include State legislation. Top issues so far are listed below. If there's something else we should be considering, please let me know. We'll be gearing up our TAN page (Take Action Network) and will need to know what legislation you and your supporters will be working for. Breaching the Lower Snake River dams Police Accountability including the Traffic Safety for All Act Salmon Recovery Environmental Justice and Climate issues of frontline communities Climate and the Growth Management Act Preserving Old Growth and Legacy Forests Southern Resident Orca Preservation and Restoration Below are some of the priorities of some of our partners and allies. Environmental Priorities Coalition – Environmental Justice https://wecprotects.org/our-work/areas-of-work/environmental-priorities-coalition/ Investing in Salmon Habitat: Salmon runs continue to dwindle throughout the state – across the Columbia Basin, throughout southwest Washington, and around the Puget Sound region. Investing in Climate Action: The climate crisis means we need to cut pollution fast and while investing wisely to expand clean energy solutions as quickly as possible. Planning for a Climate Friendly Future: Requires the largest and fastest-growing counties and cities within them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled through land use planning. Washington Recycling And Packaging Act (The WRAP Act): All across Washington, plastic waste litters Washington’s shorelines and waterways, filling landfills to capacity, and harming wildlife. Bills to Watch webpage (not updated as yet): https://wecprotects.org/our-work/areas-of-work/environmental-priorities-coalition-3/bills-to-watch/ Washington Coalition for Police Accountability – Racial Justice https://www.washingtoncoalitionforpoliceaccountability.com/2023-priorities Independent Prosecutor: We need an independent prosecutor to make the charging decisions for police use of deadly force.  The caseload from this office needs to be handled by an state independent prosecutor separate from the 39 county prosecutors. Traffic Safety for All (Traffic Stops): Ending traffic stops for non-moving violations will increase safety for the public and officers. It will increase equity and is a solution for the disproportionate stops involving Black, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander drivers. AGO Patterns & Practices Authority: This grants authority to the state attorney general to do investigations of agencies where there is an alleged pattern and practice of violating the civil and constitutional rights of persons. This state-level authority would complement the US. DOJ authority and will promote a basic level of quality policing across the state. Civil Right of Action: For families and survivors of police misconduct. Currently there is a gap in what type of remedy and relief can be brought to state court and this proposal authorizes civil suits for violations of state constitutional rights for police misconduct. Faith Action Network Lobby Days: Economic Justice https://fanwa.org Olympia-February 9, 2023, Eastern Washington January 21, 2023 Our attention now turns to preparations for the 2023 Legislative Session, and our legislative agenda is being finalized for approval by FAN’s Governing Board this month. We will release it to you very soon! There will be some continuation of bills we’ve worked on previously, and some new initiatives. Stay tuned! Pre-legislative trainings Thursday, January 5, 6-7pm, online, FAN 2023 Legislative Preview, an overview of what to expect this session and FAN’s legislative agenda. Register for Zoom link here. Sunday, January 8, 2-3pm, online, FAN Advocacy 101, presenting advocacy tools to use during the session. Register for Zoom link here. Save our Wild Salmon – Breaching the Snake River Dams (Link to be provided a little later) Govenor Inslee has made the breaching of the dams a top priority for the WA Legislature (https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/budget/statebudget/highlights/budget23/08-Salmon.pdf) To make real progress to replace the services of the four lower Snake River dams, restore abundant wild salmon and steelhead populations, and preserve the irreplaceable ecological, economic, and cultural benefits they provide, during the upcoming 2023 Washington state legislative session, we recommend the following state-level policy and actions: Interagency Workgroup: Secure at least $200,000 in funding (for staff and/or contractor expenses) to establish a Snake River Interagency Workgroup composed of senior level staff and state agency leaders to coordinate, plan, and implement actions the State can take to support the replacement of lower Snake River services in consultation with Tribes, federal agencies, NW State partners, and stakeholders. Transportation Study: Secure at least $5 million in funding for a detailed Washington State Department of Transportation study to determine transportation alternatives to barging on the lower Snake waterway.  Irrigation Analysis: Secure at least $500,000 in funding for the Washington State Department of Ecology to conduct an Irrigation Analysis focused on determining irrigation water availability during lower Snake River dam removal (drawdown), and the infrastructure needs of farms after drawdown is complete. Tribal Justice and Coordination: Ensure that the priorities of Northwest Tribes and opportunities for them are reflected in energy siting proposals, salmon recovery management and investments, and all lower Snake River dam removal infrastructure replacement processes. Salmon Recovery Funding: Identify and secure targeted state (and federal) investments for salmon recovery and habitat projects to improve conditions for salmon across Washington State. New Green Power from State Agency Customers: Secure at least $150,000 for the Department of Commerce to conduct a survey of all state energy load served in part by utilities that purchase Columbia River System hydropower, to identify the size of the load and the utility provider.  Washington State should use its purchasing power as a utility customer to call for “Green Power tariff” from the public power utilities that serve them, to develop new non-hydro renewable electricity and storage resources. WA Sierra Club-Environmental Justice https://www.sierraclub.org/washington/2023-legislative-agenda Building Abundant, Affordable Housing:  Washington is in a statewide housing crisis. Outdated land use policies that restrict the types and quantity of housing in urban areas are driving sprawl, boosting climate pollution, and displacement of low-income residents and communities of color - while keeping homes unaffordable to most. Protecting Instream Flows for Salmon:  Due to rapid climate change, Washington State is facing historically low levels for instream flows crucial to keeping streams cool and allowing fish upstream to spawn.  We anticipate adverse legislation pushed by rural developers that would weaken these requirements - having devastating effects on not only salmon, but also farmers, recreational fishers, local tribes, and more. Preserving Mature Forests: To stem the rapid loss of natural places and wildlife, more land and ocean habitat must be set aside from human impact. This year, we are working to secure $25M in the state budget for the Trust Land Transfer program, which - through local groups and volunteer leaders - identifies and nominates state lands for transfer of management to different agencies. Restoring Endangered Salmon and Orca: Funding for Studies of the Lower Snake River.  Scientists and key public officials agree – removing the four lower Snake River dams is the best opportunity on the west coast to recover abundant salmon.  We need funding in the 2023-2024 state budget to supplement recent federal funding to move this process along. Earth Ministry earthministry.org Top Priorities:

• Climate - GMA Climate, 1099 AND likely a new GMA bill Front and Centered is introducing
• Plastics - WRAP Act (Extended Producer Responsibility recycling overhaul)
• Toxics - Safe Cosmetics Act (NOT an EPC priority) (bans toxins in cosmetics and personal care products

Others We Will Support:

• Climate Commitment Act (budget) - accountability for environmental justice in allocating funds 
• LSR salmon recovery (budget) - follow tribes and fund WADoT transportation study
• Preventing high heat energy disconnections policy bill (possibly, need to learn more)

Earth Ministry/WAIPL Legislative Faithful Advocacy Training Event
Thu 12 Jan 2023
6:30 pm PST

Join Earth Ministry/WAIPL for an online faithful advocacy training on Tuesday, January 12, 6:30-7:30 pm. We'll gather on Zoom to discuss the unique strengths of a faith-based approach to advocacy and show you what it looks like in action. You'll receive practical advice on how to tell your story to decision makers and also an overview of the bills Earth Ministry/WAIPL will be supporting in the 2023 Washington State Legislative Session. Whether this is your first time speaking up in the legislative process, or you're a seasoned advocate, you are welcome to join!

Register here:  https://secure.everyaction.com/TkpNwOe4LE-LTiya0lczDA2?emci=3de352e4-817a-ed11-819c-000d3a9eb474&emdi=729b8317-897a-ed11-819c-000d3a9eb474&ceid=11796651

Native American Heritage Day Event, November 25, 2022

Join us on November 25, 2022 for a Native American Heritage Day event with Cindy Minkler of the Oglala Sioux Nation (Lakota), J.P. Falcon Grady of the Piikani (Blackfeet) Nation and Lummi Nation Elder Cynthia Wilson for an evening of blessed talent and wisdom.  The event will be held at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship at 1207 Ellsworth St in Bellingham from 3:00-5:00 pm.  Donations gratefully accepted.  All who come in the spirit of goodwill are welcome.

For a little history . . . 

Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Indians. On December 14, 1915, he presented the endorsements of 24 state governments at the White House.   Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca Nation first protested for National Native American Heritage Day between 1912 and 1915. At first, he was fighting for an “American Indian Day” to be recognized within the Boy Scouts of America. 

It wasn’t until 2008, when President George W. Bush signed into law, the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2008” which among many other things stated “nationwide recognition of the contributions that Native Americans have made to the fabric of American society will afford an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate their respect and admiration of Native Americans for their important contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of United States.”  Again, in 2009, Congress passed the “Native American Heritage Day Act, permanently, using much the same language and signed by President Obama and issued in a proclamation.

In 2020, 2021 and now on October 20, 2022, Washington State Governor Inslee proclaimed, the day after Thanksgiving, this year on November 25, 2022, as Native American Heritage Day—a State holiday.  In the proclamation, which also proclaims November as Native American Heritage Month, Governor Inslee states: 

“Native American contributions and value have shaped the social, political, environmental, and economic fabric of the state, while also enhancing freedom, prosperity, and cultural diversity . . . Washington joins other states across the nation in celebrating Native American Heritage month, honoring the unique heritage of this continent’s First People and reaffirming the commitment to respect each Tribe’s sovereignty and cultural identity.”

Bios of the 3 performers and presenters can be found below the flyer.

Cindy Minkler:  Cindy Minkler (Lakota) is enrolled in the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.  She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a B.A. in Music Education and Piano Performance.  Since then, she’s been an educator, graduation speaker, free lance pianist, piano teacher and performer.  Back in the 90’s, Minkler was seen on the hit dramedy television show “Northern Exposure.”  Minkler produced two original piano CD's “Chronological Growth” and “Holdin' Me Up.”  In 2003 she was invited to perform at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco where she featured her original composition, “Battle of the Little Big Horn.”  Minkler performed and won an award at the 2009 West Coast American Indian Music Awards Show.  After completing her Music Therapy degree at Western Michigan University in 2017, she returned to the Pacific Northwest and began working as a Music Therapist with various age groups and populations.  For the past ten years she has been the pianist for Lummi Island Congregational Church and continues to participate in local music events and concerts. 

J.P. Falcon Grady:  J.P. Falcon Grady is a Native American singer/songwriter originally from Browning, Montana and a proud member of the Piikani (Blackfeet) Nation and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest. He performs both as a solo artist and with his band; The JP Falcon Band. J.P. Falcon Grady has graced many stages in his 20+ years as a professional musician. He performs all over the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Hawaii and British Columbia, Canada. He musically weaves stories with profound lyrics and melody and coupled with his stunning smooth voice often moves his fans to tears. A self-taught acoustic guitarist, singer, songwriter J.P. is credited with numerous musical achievements, including performing a title track in a motion picture. Acoustic rock is the foundation, with Native American, Reggae, Jawaiian, Latin, and Country influences.

Cynthia Wilson:  Cynthia Wilson is a member of the Lummi Nation and has worked in the Education field for 30 years.  She truly enjoys working with children from the smallest to the oldest. She worked at Lummi Nation School for many years and worked in our public schools for a few years.  She says that she is so fortunate to have learned our Lummi Language from mentors, and is proud to share it with the children and her family.  She loves to share stories with great lessons to live by and see the expression on listeners' faces as they listen and learn the many values.  Having a foundational belief in our way of life is essential to living in two worlds that we have to be competent and productive in. Cynthia received her Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University in curriculum instruction and technology. She says she will continue her journey in education and continue to learn. Her philosophy is, in short, to help our children, strengthen the educational experience of all, and increase understanding of who they are, and stand proud.  Cynthia believes it is one way to keep everyone going in the same direction; no canoes overturn in the waters as we move forward together for our children's main resource.