The Case for the Veterans Memorial

Memorial pool with paddles and nearby bench

Native American warriors have always held places of high honor within the tribe. They are the ones who protect the tribe from outside invasions that endanger people and the land.

Indian people served in the United States military long before they were even given United States citizenship. In fact, between 1917 and 1918, over 10,000 American Indian people enlisted into the armed services to serve in World War I. Although this was the greatest number of enlisted peoples from any one non-Anglo culture, citizenship (with the right to vote) for Native Americans was not granted until 1924. Native Americans account for less than one percent of the total registered population of the United States, yet they provide more military members per capita than any other ethnic group and utilize veterans benefits less than any other group.

This memorial began with the inspiration of Bruce Johnson, beloved Squaxin Island tribal member, Vietnam veteran, and leader who passed away in 2003. Bruce connected with tribal leaders, veterans, youth, and elders and spoke out about the need for a memorial as a place to educate tribal members and the public about the tremendous sacrifice of our warriors.

Today, Native American warriors are the protectors and preservers of the people and land with an important and ongoing role in the life of the tribe. Their presence within the community as tribal heroes is priceless. Squaxin Island veterans are fiercely proud of their service. And the Squaxin Island community is equally proud of their sons and daughters, fathers and mothers who have served, and continue to serve, in today’s conflicts and to keep the peace at home. We believe that now is the time to recognize and pay honor to their service and personal sacrifice, and we ask that you to support us in this cause.

Warriors of Squaxin Island

The Squaxin Veterans Memorial Committee spent several years determining ways to make the memorial most meaningful. Shaman Architects assisted the committee with the pre-design and Nakano Architects to helped finalize the plan. World-renowned tribal artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo provided design assistance and was commissioned to carve the house post portal. Natural, artistic, spiritual, and cultural elements are present within the large impressions and small design details.

• Paddles
  There will be bronze paddles representing Squaxin warriors clustered around pools of water. These veterans are recognized and loved as individuals and as a whole, in no particular order.
• Water
  Seven pools represent the seven waterways where Squaxin Island people lived since time immemorial. Water is the lifeblood of the Squaxin Island people.
• Portal
  House posts and a canoe connect to form a portal leading to the inner “island” of the memorial, inviting engagement and welcome.
• Treaty Tree
  A Medicine Creek Treaty Tree grandbaby lives within the memorial as it lives within all of us, reminding us to never forget the past, be mindful of the present, and be optimistic about the future.
• Warrior plants
  Native plants used by warriors for healing, food, and utensils grow within the memorial, their uses to be discovered and celebrated, a Victory Garden for community use once the plants are thriving on their own.
• Flag pavilion
  We proudly fly the flags of the United States, Washington State, Prisoners of War, and the newly created Squaxin Island Tribe.
• Bronze medallions
  Bronze medallions were cast from Coast Salish art carved by tribal community members guided by Andrea Wilbur-Sigo and Susan Point. These medallions are inlaid in the walkways thoughout the memorial.
• Central Island
  At the heart of the memorial, a wall holds medallions representing each branch of the military.
• Lighting
  The light guides visitors, reveals treasures, and respects the environment by being “just enough.”
• Bi-lingual signage
  The Lushootseed language, at the heart of the culture, informs and deepens the English words and meaning.
• Wheelchair accessible walkways
  Winding through the site, visitors have access to a multitude of wonders within the memorial.
• Acknowledgements
  We honor those who helped us design and develop the memorial in places throughout the site.
• Seating
  There are rest areas by the pools for reflection and solitude.