Kerryna Thompson, Ms. Rock Creek Powwow Queen and representative of the Rock Creek Band of the Yakama Nation serving as co-chairperson of the Big River Student Council, recently traveled to San Diego to attend the Unity Conference, part of one of three groups representing the Yakama Nation.
Kerryna Thompson, Ms. Rock Creek Powwow Queen and representative of the Rock Creek Band of the Yakama Nation serving as co-chairperson of the Big River Student Council, recently traveled to San Diego to attend the Unity Conference, part of one of three groups representing the Yakama Nation.
There’s not a lot of news this week but I think that’s a good thing. It means people are busy with all their summer activities, whether for work or for play.
I’m pleased to share more great Glenwood High School student news this week. Kerryna Thompson, daughter of Erica Thompson, currently serves as Ms. Rock Creek Powwow Queen and represents her Rock Creek Band of the Yakama Nation as the co-chairperson of the Big River Student Council. Council members volunteer at local events and meet to discuss strategies to put the youth on a path to successful futures.
Last month, Kerryna attended the Unity Conference in San Diego as part of one of three groups representing the Yakama Nation. This great conference exposes them to successful Native American and Indigenous people, including actors, politicians, designers, models, and singers, among others.
At the conference each year, the students participate in workshops and tribal networking, learning about the traditions and peoples of other tribes. This conference enables the students to make new friends and see relatives from other tribes. The varied agenda keeps the kids interested and allows them to make new connections.
What a great and fulfilling opportunity this was for Kerryna. If you see her around, ask her about her experiences down in San Diego.
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As I write this, Peyton Sanchey, daughter of Jodi and Ryan, is in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to compete in the National High School Rodeo Finals. Her parents and little brother Haizer are there to cheer her on. I’ll share the results when her finals are over.
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It’s a pretty big deal when a local organization is mentioned in a Wall Street Journal article. I’m sure nearly all who read the Glenwood news are familiar with Mt. Adams Resource Stewards (MARS).
MARS, under the direction of Jay McLaughlin, has worked for several years in this area to improve and protect forest health on lands MARS has purchased, forest land on the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and other private lands. This involves much thinning and brush removal to make the forest stands healthier and better able to withstand devastating wildfires and parasitic damage. Each year, MARS hosts members of the Glenwood community and surrounding towns at the annual hog roast where Jay and other members of the MARS board of directors give a recap of completed and ongoing projects.
This year, MARS is also working with a group called Fire Adapted Community in Glenwood and Trout Lake to inform homeowners on ways to prepare the areas around their homes to be less susceptible to loss due to wildfires. The group meets monthly and provides resources and information on grants to better protect their dwellings and meet more stringent homeowner insurance requirements.
The Wall Street Journal article, “One Way to Fight Wildfires: Burn Your Land Ahead of Time,” mentions how Glenwood’s Mt. Adams Resource Stewards is leading the charge for communities in their land management fire prevention efforts. You really put us on the national map, MARS. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do in our area.
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The annual MARS picnic on July 10 was a great success, with many in attendance. MARS served the pork, baked salmon, and frog legs. I heard from one of my young nephews that he really liked the frog legs and went back for seconds. Those in attendance heard a recap of all the projects MARS completed this past year and projects that are in progress.
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Mary Pierce writes about the community of Glenwood every other week in Columbia Gorge News. Please send any news items to gmpierce09@gmail.com.
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