Sept. 15, 2013: Lummi Nation Began Kwel hoy’ Totem Pole Journey

Healing pole created by Lummi master carver Jewell James. Photo courtesy of the Bellingham Herald.

On September 15, 2013, members of the Lummi Nation of Washington State began the Kwel hoy’ Totem Pole Journey, a 1,700-mile, 16-day trip in solidarity with Tribal Nations’ opposition to the transport of Tar Sands through their land. Kwel hoy’ means “We draw the line,” and symbolizes the growing resistance to extractive fossil fuel projects.

This journey has been repeated every year since, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to solidarity among Nations and opposition to the fossil fuel economy.

Read more about the Lummi Nation’s work for the Salish Sea and orcas at their website.

Teach about these growing acts of resistance with the lesson “Teaching Blockadia: How the Movement Against Fossil Fuels Is Changing the World” by Bill Bigelow, Adam Sanchez, and Tim Swinehart.