We build a spirit of being fed

This fall two women of Whidbey set off for an occasion that would open a window to Tradition that was unexpected, unpredictable and in mythic tradition, the perfectly timed moment to build a very meaningful future. One of the women is tall, the other woman small. The event was a grand celebration -- a gala, held on the land of the Tulalip Tribes in the huge ballroom of the Casino at Quil Ceda Village, and as that fall evening unfolded, the Tradition of gratitude and generosity would wrap these Whidbey women in the spirit of "being fed."

Oh how strange and unpredictable is the space between what is known, or suspected, and the place where something new (while being very, very old) awaits those who come to be fed. I have heard the story from the Small Woman and seen the pictures of what it was like to enter the huge ballroom after walking past the gaming tables. More and different sorts of stimulation than our two women of Whidbey are used to. But, it makes no nevermind, the windows of myth hinge and swing in all directions at once. And the Wind would have his way with those women of Whidbey.

Generosity and gift-giving tampered with the preconceived notions about "Grants". And then, Cedar carved in the shape of the Killer Whale crossed between the people of Tulalip and the many, many community who came to "be fed," including the Tall one and Small one from Whidbey.  

A story behind the art of cedar carved by Tulalip artist Tony Hatch told of myth ... the story that is truth and more. This story lesson reminds the people of Tulalip that they know what it was and is like to be hungry. And to be in a place and a state where hunger is replaced with abundance, the Tulalip Tribes Raise their Hands to remember those who fed the whole of the community beyond their tribal lands.

All who came to the celebration had received grants for the good work they provide. Our two Women of Whidbey were being recognized for their parts in "Grow Whidbey Apprenticeship Program." The South Whidbey apprentice never flew through the windows of opportunity this year on the Prairie Front ... and that is where our story sniffs for something more upon which to be 'fed on.'

To be sure you are still listening, and hearing the spirit of this winding tale, can I get an E Ho Mai?

Hmmm. Good.

A beautiful laser cut cedar Killer Whale necklace returned with each of the two women of Whidbey. The small woman, showed the gifts to another small woman who has in her bones and blood the memory of ritual and traditions. Together they came to sit on wooden chairs one day to discuss and consider the future of that gift, and the potential it has to build a Tradition that grows meaningfully from this place people of Tulalip would call "the Prairie Front" [In Lushootseed] 

Not so very long ago the community of South Whidbey Tilth welcomed their first intern . Her name was Angie Hart. The small story about Angie Hart is: "She fed us very, very well." What she offered we might call the spirit of generosity, curiosity and youthful enthusiasm that grew as she committed to being more involved. 

As we gather to celebrate Angie's new adventure south to North Carolina, we send her off with the gift of the Killer Whale Necklace. We Raise Our Hands to her, and, wish her, Ben and Maria the very best. 

Over the winter, that gift takes on the energy of affection, respect and responsibility of a hiapo, the first born. The older sister. For a time, the gift lives with Angie, until it is time for the South Whidbey Tilth to welcome a new Intern-Apprentice in 2019. Then we will ask Angie to send the Killer Whale back to the Prairie Front so it can feed us, again.

The Tradition that builds on the Raising Hands Tradition of the Tulalip Tribes lights a fire here. Winter is a good time to make plans for the coming year. We warm ourselves around the warmth of tradition, have plans for gathering to consider how best to feed this land and this community.

A gift multiples in its worth when it flows. The story has been told, and with it Cedar and the Killer Whale travel, flowing on the journey of reciprocity.

E Ola Angie. To your good life!

Do we agree this is a tradition to build the spirit of being fed?

  ... He puko'a kani 'aina. A coral reef that grows into an island. A person beginning in a small way gains steadily until she becomes firmly established.

"We cross borders without regard, ignorant or arrogant of the protocol native to the transitional spaces that take us from this place to that place. Traditions remembered and practiced would maintain and pass along the right things to do, at the right time, and in the right frame of mind. Have we all become wanderers with passports un-stamped with the memory of teachings from the Ancestors and Nature? There are rituals to remember and common magic to induce respect for the beings and places that share this planet." 

The Safety Pin Cafe's Mission