Day eight of July 22, 2013

I had a great start to my morning. Ate some blueberry pancakes with some coffee!! it was good.
We took off from Wallowa camping grounds and headed to Pendleton, Oregon to speak with Wenix Red Elk. Wenix works for the department of natural resources and is a specialist for education outreach. she spoke about how they manage resources like water, fish, deer, cous, and huckleberries. The mission statement from the Department Of Natural Resources: Confederate Tribes Of The Umatilla Indian Reservation states that there aim is,

          " To Protect, Restore, and enhance the first foods. Water, salmon, deer, cous, and huckleberry- for the perpetual cultural., economic, and sovereign benefit of the culture. We will accomplish this utilizing traditional ecological and cultural knowledge and science to inform 1.) Population and Habitat Management goals and actions, and 2.) Natural resource policies and regulatory mechanisms. "

Wenix went on explaining the importance of maintaining resources for future generations. When land is lost or allotted the confederate tribes tries to buy lands back  to preserve the primitive resources. When important resources are not within their lands the tribe create solutions which meet there neighbors, they talk it out and negotiate. A partnership is created. The tribe would rather help restore the land than to hire lawyers and create disputes with there neighbors.

After our visit in the Department of Natural Resources (cool looking building) we went on a field trip at Meacham creek. Half a mile before arriving, one of White Swan vehicles (Bandwagon) got a flat tire. When we pulled over to help Bandwagon we came to find out that one of our very own vehicle (Soaring Eagle) had a flat tire as well. Two flat tires in hot weather :(  it will be an unforgettable experience. hahaha. Geo, a high school student from White Swan helped changed the tire while the girls were pampering him and cracking up jokes. Well we managed to get to the site with another vehicle.

We arrived at the site and there Wenix explained the significance of the area. In that particular spot there was active work going on. We saw a stream and Wenix explained the importance of the water moving in slow motion, to cleanse itself through the small spacious spots that appeared to be small little islands. On those small spots the water flows underneath and gets cleaned with the surface rocks. The stream had four divisions which helps the water move even slower. Wenix mentioned that a lot of plants had to be located there because months before Meacham creek was all dirt and she said having a diversity of plants is important to maintain a sustainable environment for variety of species.

When we were getting ready to head out not even 10 mins on the road another vehicle (War Pony) got not one flat tire but two. We had to wait there for a couple of minutes to get some assistance since we had no more spare tires and no reception. Our van left to call for assistance and get dropped off at Wenix place. Monet and Havier left to fix the tire situation while I stayed behind to get my tent set up.  When Monet returned she mentioned that another one of our tires was flat and that the guy at Les Shwab had spotted it. Thank god that they made it there safely and on time to find out that it was flat.

Wenix and her family prepared some Indian tacos, they were delicious. I'm thankful for her and her family for preparing dinner and allowing us to camp in there yard and use there showers. Wenix if you are reading this THANK YOU !!! YOUR AWESOME. God Bless you and your family.

Wenix mother Loveda Elk, had a gallery display of crafted elegant plates. I was impressed with the works of this lady. She has talent. I wanted to buy one of her displays but it was out of my budget unfortunately. I really wanted one though. I also wish I could learn how to master her arts.  

Well I'm going to go now its 2:07a.m. and my classmates want to play ware wolf at this hour?????? alright I'm out in the field and their playing silent volleyball!!! Lol

As I get ready to go to sleep I think about my family and friends. I really miss them already. I will see you all soon :) 

I think this trip is making me feel more dependent and appreciative towards my parents. I love my family they are my all and god my rock and shelter.