Community Resilience and Self-Reliance

Working with the Quinault Indian Nation on their strategic plan was a lesson in resilience. The stories of resilience, self-reliance and community wellbeing are abundant in their history.  The oral histories give clear insight for how to strengthen each. It is a blessing to live in a region where the stories and practices of resilience are alive in Elders.  These stories show us patterns of wellbeing worth living into in creative new ways.

“We used to follow the fish and follow the seasons.  Everybody shared everything.  My Mom’s family is Tulalip, my Mom arranged so we had relatives all around the Puget Sound. So if one tribe had a bad season then you came together and were provided for.  It was just tradition.”

“We used to travel all over and get what you needed through those relationships.  Traveling all over, hosted by the communities.  You have abundance and give away lots of food. Continue Reading...