We acknowledge that we are standing on the land of the first people of Orcas Island, the Coast Salish People, in particular the Lhaq’temish and Samish peoples, who are still a major presence in our Northwest culture. We honor and acknowledge their ancient heritage; we honor the land itself with gratitude to those who have been before. May we remember that the Earth does not belong to us, that we belong to the Earth, and that we are all relatives. We are open to advice to help us learn from past mistakes helping us to become instruments of justice and peace for all people in today’s world.
