Last Friday morning the Quileute Tribe, honored a centuries-old tradition with their annual Welcoming the Whales ceremony. Against the backdrop of blue skies and the Pacific Ocean, tribal members, and students from the Quileute Tribal School, gathered on First Beach to pay homage to migrating gray whales.
The ceremony, which has evolved over the years, begins with the rhythmic beat of tribal drums filling the air, accompanied by songs and dancing. It ends with students wading barefoot through the waves, carrying a symbolic offering of salmon on a wooden float adorned with cedar branches.
The event, open to the public, has grown significantly since its beginning 17 years ago. What once started with a handful of tribal members and elders has now become a cherished community gathering, drawing people from near and far to participate in the celebration of Quileute culture and history.
While the Quileute people no longer hunt whales, the ceremony serves as a reminder of the integral role these majestic creatures played in their ancestral heritage. In the old days, whale hunts were preceded by elaborate song and dance ceremonies, a tradition that now lives on through events like Welcoming the Whales.
For the students of the Quileute Tribal School, the ceremony is not just a cultural event but also an educational experience. It provides them with an opportunity to learn about their heritage, as they participate in traditional songs, dances, and rituals passed down through generations.
After the activity at the beach attendees were treated to lunch and more festivities at the Akalat.
As the gray whales continue their 10,000-mile migration from Mexico to the Arctic, the Quileute Tribe sends them along with well wishes and gratitude for the part they play in their culture.
What a difference a year makes …last year Quileute students, tribal members and spectators battled wind and rain at the annual Welcome the Whales ceremony …this year the weather was amazing! Here students perform a dance and song as a very large crowd looks on. Submitted photo
