This summer, Upper School History Teacher Marshall McCurties visited Olympic National Park and interviewed various communities of Native Americans as part of his Summer Sabbatical.
Mr. McCurties’ objective was to learn more about the role of storytelling, language and culture within the tribes. He learned that there is a great deal of diversity among the Native American communities in that area. He shared some of the communities’ struggles with land preservation and rights to access water for fishing and logging, land for hunting and road service. While there, he was also able to join in a local festivity that celebrates local Native American rituals and food—including a large salmon smoke. Overall, Mr. McCurties reflected that the way he understands language, culture and narrative was transformed through his summer experience.