Global Citizens Network (GCN) Project Site:
La Push, WASHINGTON
Check Trip Schedule for Trip dates
Quileute Tribe
La Push is a tiny fishing village on the Pacific coast of the Olympic Peninsula. It is located four and a half hours from Seattle near Forks, Washington. The journey to La Push may include a ferry ride across Puget Sound. The population of La Push is primarily composed of the Quileute Native American tribe. View more information on the Quileute Tribe on their official website.
The Quileute people were early arrivers to the La Push area. For millennia the Quileute have used long boats to fish, whale and seal in the sacred ocean waters. They are the “children of the raven” and have no language relatives in the region. The Quileute have done well by western standards, but struggle with the decline of the fishing industry and face the loss of their language, as only three people are now fluent. The tribe is faced with the difficulties of maintaining their culture and surviving economically, and has put into place many strategies to address these issues.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The tribal council of La Push has invited GCN to work in partnership with their community. Most projects will focus on maintaining their culture, language, and way of life. Possible projects include building a home for the Self Help Drumming Group, a support group for drug and alcohol recovery, the building of an outdoor amphitheater to exhibit cultural traditions to the visitors who vacation in nearby cottages, and the creation of a museum to house the tribe’s antiquities now being held by the National Park Service. Past GCN teams have helped the youth build observation decks on several buildings so that elders and wheelchair-bound people can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, cleared trails, recorded elders’ stories, amongst many other activities. A highlight for many participants has been a salmon bake on the beach and participating in a drumming circle.
Travel Itinerary
Team members meet on Saturday at the airport in Seattle, Washington. Team members then travel as a team, by van, to La Push. Participants who choose to drive to Seattle can follow the van from the airport to La Push, or meet the team in La Push, if they prefer. The next day, Sunday, will be spent meeting community members and participating in community affairs. Monday through Thursday the team will work with the community on any number of projects. Friday may be a day off to explore the area, with departure on Saturday.
* Exception: The July 2008 trip will be extended by one day to enjoy the Quileute Festivities on Saturday, July 19. The team will depart on Sunday from LaPush very early. Flights out of Seattle should be no earlier than 12 PM noon on Sunday, July 20.
Accommodation and Meals
Participants will most likely stay in a community building, sleeping on the floor, in one room. (Many participants bring air mattresses if desired). Bathroom and kitchen facilities are available on-site. At times rooms at the tribe-owned resort have been available for team members’ use; some families have camped.
Most meals are prepared communally by the team members. The team eats together, and often shares meals with community members.
Time to Explore
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. Team members have opportunities to hike along the Olympic National Park beaches, and visit hot springs and beautiful waterfalls. It is also possible to hike in Hurricane Ridge and Hoh National Ra inforest, both parts of the Olympic National Park. Many team members like to extend their stay in Washington to visit other outdoor and cultural sites in the area.
Health Issues
Participants are required to be in sound health. Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand.
Costs
The program cost for this eight day trip is $975. Program costs covers on-site accommodations (lodging and meals), round trip transportation between Seattle and La Push, training materials, donation to the project, t-shirt, and a portion of the team leader’s expenses.
Airfare to Washington, and costs relating to activities outside of the site, are additional and the responsibility of the individual participant.
All trip related costs are tax-deductible in the U.S.
Discounts available (one per person/group)
For further information contact us
Global Citizens Network
130 N. Howell St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-0960 or (800) 644-9292
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