“Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.” Elie Wiesel’s wise words are embodied in the Quinault Indian Nation’s upcoming Cookin’ the Blues Festival.
The Quinault Beach Resort and Casino will celebrate its 15th anniversary with native food, art, culture and traditions. As Quinault Indian Nation promises, “we remember our past while employing modern principles in a marriage that will bring hope and promise to our people now and in the future.” At the center of the festivities will be the blueback salmon.
According to the Wild Salmon Center, “[Historically], the Quinault sockeye (known as “Blueback” to the Quinault people) is one of only seven evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of sockeye salmon in the Pacific Northwest. It has a unique life history specifically adapted to the Quinault River system. Of all the sockeye, Blueback are the most prized. Their rich oil content results in a much tastier fish — giving them a high market value.”
National Geographic explains that “The name sockeye comes from a poor attempt to translate the word suk-kegh from British Columbia’s native Coast Salish language. Suk-kegh means red fish. The sockeye, also called red or blueback salmon, is among the smaller of the seven Pacific salmon species, but their succulent, bright-orange meat is prized above all others. Sockeyes are the third most abundant of the species of Pacific salmons and are a keystone in the North American commercial fisheries.”
To showcase the Quinault Indian Nation and our region’s favorite fish, the Casino’s Cookin’ the Blues Festival, Saturday, June 20, will feature a traditional salmon dinner from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for only $15.
Throughout the weekend, an array of blues musicians — including Jim Boyd, a Native Blues Artist famous for his 2002 Native American Music Award for Record of the Year and current Chairman of the Colville Tribe — will grace multiple stages.
Also part of the festivities will be free coupon books for Q Club members, native storytelling, native vendors, the Pieapalooza pie showcase ($3 for 3 samples, $5 for 6), coastal art and a canoe and memory walk where tribal elders will share their powerful, personal history.
The music and activities are free and open to everyone. Visit Quinault Beach at 78 State Route 115 in Ocean Shores and call 888-461-2214 with any questions; online event details can be found here.
The Quinault Indian Nation uses educational events like this one to “look to the future while learning from the past.” The open invitation to participate is a special treat indeed.
