Tribal elders from across Washington offered a cedar brushing ceremony to acknowledge the commitment of the Burke community during the move. Cedar holds significant importance for many regional tribal communities—it is unbreakable, water-resistant, bends with the winds and is believed to provide strength.
Burke staff and volunteers and members of the New Burke construction crew came together for the ceremony.
As each person was brushed with cedar collected from trees at the University of Washington campus, dipped in water gathered by Puyallup and Quinault youth from Swan Creek, we took a moment to reflect on the work ahead and humbly accept the blessing offered by the elders.
The Burke is sincerely grateful to Rex Buck (Wanapum), Connie McCloud (Puyallup Tribe of Indians), Randy Lewis (Colville) and Marilyn Wandry (Suquamish) for their generosity of time and spirit in offering this blessing.
