Native American ceremony held in Blue River to promote healing and new beginnings

A ceremony in Blue River highlighted themes of regrowth and renewal while honoring the historical presence of Native Americans in the McKenzie River Corridor. Attended by around 30 people, the event involved planting white oak seedlings that were blessed with tobacco, facilitated by Dietrich Peters of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. Katherine Wilson of McKenzie Reel articulated the event's purpose, emphasizing both landscape restoration after the devastating Holiday Farm Fire of 2020 and the acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples' historical activities in the region. Historian David G. Lewis noted that oral histories suggest Native peoples camped along the McKenzie River, utilizing the area for hunting and gathering.

The event fostered a sense of community healing, with participants expressing emotional connections to the land. Wilson plans to hold more events to support Blue River's rebuilding efforts and intends to establish McKenzie Reel as a school for aspiring Native American filmmakers. The ceremony not only served as a reminder of the past but also as a step towards a more resilient future for the local community. This gathering reflects a commitment to both environmental restoration and cultural preservation.