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CARRYING HISTORY – The historic Snakelum Canoe, first carved in 1850 by members of the Lower Skagit Tribe, was gently carried into the Swinomish Casino & Lodge last week. The canoe is on loan from the Island County Historical Society. – Photo by Theresa Trebon, courtesy of Swinomish Tribal Archive
An important piece of local history is on display at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge for the next month.
The Snakelum canoe, a family canoe built by members of the Lower Skagit Tribe more than 160 years ago, will be exhibited in the hotel lobby through early September.
The Swinomish Tribe has invited the public to come and see it. It gives locals a unique chance to “get up close and personal” with the history,” said Swinomish Casino & Lodge Marketing Director Jumada Schwinden.
The canoe was used in the 1850s by Chief Snetlum of the Lower Skagit Tribe, and it was passed down through his family. The Chief’s grandson, Charlie Snakelum, who lived 1846 to 1932, became the canoe’s owner and namesake. After Snakelum’s death in the 1930s, the canoe was retired and went on display in Coupeville.
“Canoes were the economic engine for thousands of years,” said Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Archivist Theresa Trebon. In the spring, summer, and fall, tribes used the canoes to travel around the Puget Sound, gathering food and plants and visiting family.
More in the August 6 issue!
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