Lummi Stommish starts on Friday

[burgundy4105]

LUMMI RESERVATION — The public is invited to the 62nd annual Lummi Stommish Water Festival Friday through Sunday at the Stommish Grounds, one mile south of the Lummi Island ferry terminal near Gooseberry Point.

Events include war canoe races, a carnival, arts and crafts, traditional sla-hal bone games, concerts and barbecued salmon.

The present-day Stommish traces its origins to the end of World War II, when it began as a way to honor Lummi Nation’s returning war veterans. Honoring of veterans is still a focal point of the event, director Freddie Lane said.

Information is available online at www.stommish.com.

All you stickgame players come and play & sing & have fun at Lummi Stommish Grounds this weekend!

Just curious, are you planning to travel to Stommish?
Will it be your first time at Stommish?

Look forward to seeing you all this weekend!

[cdaac]

So how was everything? How many teams & who won the tourney? Traditional games, any pics?

[burgundy4105]

Thank you to all Sla-hal travelers that made it to the 62nd Lummi Stommish Water Festival.
For the 62nd Annual Sla-Hal Tournament there were 62 teams.
Congratulations to the Sla-Hal Champions for 2008:
Farrah from B.C. & Team members
2nd place
Harvey from B.C. & Team members
3rd place
Deeanna from Nooksack & Team members
I had a great time. Although there were a handful of unhappy people. What can you do though? I hope everyone remembers this game has been proven to be played over 13,500 years ago just as it was presented this past Sat. Don't take it to the heart on the committee runnning the tournaments they are doing the best they can! Solly was pretty much a one man committee with no back up support. Mike helped run the bracket. Thank you Mike for doing that. To all you parents that entered your kids in the tournament don't take it personal. The Lummi Nation fully support the kids & youth. That money didn't belong to us or the tribe it's all in the love and respect of the game the tradition & teachings. Don't get greedy. Play for the love of the game not to feel like your being treated unfair. Be lucky the opportunity is we get to come together to play! Our sla-hal traditions is still going strong! The spirit is being carried on for many years to come!
I'll see you all in Swinomish next weekend.
Don't be so hard on the Sla-Hal committees! Can you do any better? Picture youself behind the scenes.
Give them your support as you'd want it given to you!
Peace or else!
For the Spirit of Sla-Hal!