Highlights from the naming ceremony

From ODOT-

It was a magical, sunny morning
when about 75 people gathered in the Whilamut Natural Area to celebrate the
official naming of the Whilamut Passage Bridge (pronounced WILL-a-mut). Below are just a few of the highlights from the
ceremony held on Saturday.

The
first speaker was tribal member Kevin Simmons (second from right), who
expressed gratitude and led a drum song with others, including Tribal
Councilman Jon George (third from right).

Kalapuya
Elder Esther Stutzman (far right) also spoke, saying her peoples’ spirits will
not be forgotten and that it is important to remember them publicly.



Sonny Chickering, ODOT Region 2 manager, signed the naming proclamation with a ceremonial pen created by the tribe specifically for this event. After the signing, a red-tailed hawk flew overhead, as if validating this special moment.

 

Finally,
tribal members and community volunteers unveiled the new Whilamut Passage Bridge
sign, which will soon mark the northbound Interstate 5 bridge over the
Willamette River.