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Tribal Historic Preservation

The Samish Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) provides consultation services to public and private agencies, works with other tribes and museums to implement the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and maintains and houses the archaeological collections. The THPO strives to build interagency relationships, protect and preserve Samish heritage and resources, and be a resource for local and tribal communities.

The Samish THPO actively participates in local and regional projects, conducts archaeological and project site visits, monitors archaeological sites, and conducts NAGPRA consultation. The THPO stays up-to-date on current happenings in Cultural Resource Management by attending regional conferences, meetings, and trainings and consults on projects at city, county, state, and federal levels.

Do you know what to do if you find an artifact?

It’s exciting to find an artifact and your first impulse will probably be to take it home with you. However, it’s against the law to knowingly disturb an archaeological site and this includes removing artifacts (RCW 27.53.060). Take a photo if you can and note its location so you can inform an archaeologist later. Artifacts are most useful to archaeologists when they’re in context (where they were originally placed/lost/dropped years ago). This is how we can try to determine its function and learn more about past lifeways. If you find an artifact on your own property, it’s legally yours and we still recommend leaving it in place and contacting an archaeologist or the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (https://dahp.wa.gov). 
 

Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 20 – 20 Apr, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 20 – 20 Apr, 2024

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Samish Language Series - week 7


Learn to introduce yourself in the Samish language in a 7-week class series.

Dates: 24 – 24 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

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Samish Elders Virtual & In-Person Bingo Fun!


Samish Elders are invited to Bingo Fun!

Dates: 26 – 26 Apr, 2024

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Beaver Lodge Carving Studio (in-person)


Stop by to carve, paint, create, and learn more about Coast Salish art.

Dates: 27 – 27 Apr, 2024

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MMIP (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes,

"Walking in Balance: Two Spirit Wisdom" with presenter Rose Castilleja, Samish songs, instructor-led craft, and a Reading of Names.

Dates: 04 – 04 May, 2024

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Drum Making - midday (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

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Drum Making - evening (online)


Learn to make 12-inch drum.

Dates: 07 – 07 May, 2024

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Book Club: Red Paint (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk" by Sasha Lapointe.

Dates: 14 – 14 May, 2024

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Samish Elders Chat & Learn - Diabetes


Samish Elders are invited to learn about diabetes and wellness care.

Dates: 16 – 16 May, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 18 – 18 May, 2024

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Culture Talk: Blankets of Nobility (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Learn about the role of Coast Salish women in fostering a social economy of generosity.

Dates: 04 – 04 Jun, 2024

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Book Club: Native Seattle (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place” by Coll Thrush.

Dates: 11 – 11 Jun, 2024

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Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering


If you cannot attend the Annual Elders Luncheon, Samish Elders are invited to our Samish Elders Virtual Summer Gathering.

Dates: 14 – 14 Jun, 2024

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Chat & Craft (online + Anacortes)


Join us online or in-person to catch up while working on independent craft projects.

Dates: 15 – 15 Jun, 2024

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Annual Elders Luncheon


Samish Elders and regional tribes of the Salish Sea are invited!

Dates: 28 – 28 Jun, 2024

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Morning Social (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Join online or gather at Fidalgo Bay Resort to chat and catch up.

Dates: 29 – 29 Jun, 2024

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Canoe Trips (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Join the Samish Canoe Family for a short canoe trip in Fidalgo Bay.

Dates: 29 – 29 Jun, 2024

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Salish Sea Háwe7 (Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Explore the Samish homelands by water with Island Adventures.

Dates: 29 – 29 Jun, 2024

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Smoke Signals (online + Anacortes)

Anacortes, WA

Join virtually or in-person for a group streaming of Smoke Signals.

Dates: 29 – 29 Jun, 2024

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Book Club: 1491 (virtual)


Join us for a discussion of “1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann.

Dates: 15 – 15 Oct, 2024

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