SALMON HOMECOMING FORUM 2008
“The drum beats for everyone”

The Seattle Aquarium, Seattle (Google Maps), –Thursday, September 11, 2008

Purpose: Through education and the pursuit of peace and collaboration, unite communities of all color in the vital effort to protect and restore our natural world in full commemoration of 9/11.

Objectives and expected outcomes: Participants will meet and hear from outstanding representatives of diversified communities, and experience opportunities to bridge demographic divides as a unity plan is designed to clean up our waters, restore fish and wildlife and seek pathways to a sustainable economy.
This event will also draw a connection between Salmon Homecoming and E3 Washington, a historic environmental education program of the Environmental Education Association of Washington.

9 a.m.

Tribal Ceremony and Blessing of the Event-Muckleshoot Elders
Coffee and light refreshments provided
Welcome by the Honorable Gerald “G.I.” James, President of the Salmon Homecoming Alliance

• Presentation of the Opening Draft (Draft Accord to start things rolling)

9:30

Opening Comments/Introductions by Forum Emcees

• Enrique Cerna, KCTS Television
• Supported by Salmon Homecoming Board

9:45

Panel One: Statement of Need and Purpose
A panel of multi-ethnic representatives addresses the environment and pathways to inclusiveness, environmental justice, personal accountability and the need to unite to provide for future generations.

• Abby Ruskey, Environmental Education Association/E3
• Roberto Maestas, El Centro de la Raza
• Marty Bluewater, United Indians of All Tribes
• Robert Stowers, Seattle Parks & Recreation Department
• “Uncle Bob” Santos, International District

11:15

Directions for Focus Groups

• Enrique Cerna

11:30

Focus Group One
All participate in diversified groups to focus on the question: “What ARE our common objectives in environmental education and related issues?” (Each circle to be coordinated by a Salmon Homecoming Alliance Board Member and an E3 representative)

12:30 p.m.

Lunch: On your own
(Aquarium Café is available. Other prospective locations to be suggested. Also suggested: Have lunch with as many members of your group as possible, to continue discussion as necessary.)

2 pm

Reconvene: Brief reports by focus group leaders: What was discussed?
Q and A as time permits

2:30 pm

Panel Two: Pulling it together
-Comments on what has been heard and recommendations for a united environmental resolution to be presented to the Governor, all tribes, the legislature, state agencies, local government and the news media, as well as on a special blog established to carry on the communication and commitment. “Will we be receptive?”

• His Honor Doug Sutherland, Commissioner of Public Lands
• Her Honor Senator Claudia Kaufman
• His Honor Ron Sims, King County Executive
• Her Honor Velma Veloria, Filapina Activist and former legislator

4:00

Instructions to final focus group

• Enrique Cerna

 

Final Focus Group
The same groups and the same coordinators as the morning session focus on the development of the final draft Unity Accord. Question: What is our consensus?

5:10 pm

Reports from focus group leaders: Open Mike as time permits

5:30 pm

Approval of Unity Accord (By Consensus/Vote if necessary)

• Enrique Cerna

6 pm

DINNER (Provided in the Aquarium Café for FORUM participants)

7 pm

Dessert Reception in the Great Hall

• Reception Emcees and Occasional Commentators:
  • Billy Frank, Jr., Chairman, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
  • Katherine “Kat” Brigham, Chair, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
• 9/11 Prayer, Multi-Ethnic Color Guard and Commemoration
  • Sonny Bargala and company

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

• Terry Williams, Tulalip Tribal Member and Veteran
  • “Why this Accord”
• Aziz Junejo, Spokesperson for the Muslim Community
  • “We are committed”

7:30 pm

Presentation of the Environmental Unity Resolution reading of the Accord,
coordination of the signing and comments by Billy and Kat

UNITY ACCORD SIGNING CEREMONY
“The Drum Beats For Everyone”

8:30 pm

SALMON HOMECOMING SEVENTH GENERATION HONORS
By His Honor President G.I. James & the Salmon Homecoming Board of Directors

9 pm

PRESENTATION of “SHADOW OF THE SALMON”
With follow up Q and A by “Shadow” cast and crew

10 pm

Good Night!