About & Press

This Summer, the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation will transport a 25-foot totem pole from Washington State to Washington DC, stopping for ceremony and live-streamed events with communities leading efforts to protect sacred places under threat from resource extraction and industrial development. As the pole travels it draws lines of connection—honoring, uniting and empowering communities working to protect sacred places. The pole carries the spirit of the lands it visits and the power and prayers of communities along the way—ultimately delivering these prayers, power and demands to the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress in Washington DC, and culminating in an exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. In the context of a national reckoning with American history, and the acknowledgement of past and present injustices inflicted on Native Peoples and lands without consent, the Red Road to DC invites people to take a stand with those who are struggling to protect sacred places. Our collective future depends on it.

For Media Inquiries:
Brad Angerman | Tlingit | Pyramid Communications
bangerman@pyramidcommunications.com

For Organizational Endorsements:

Join the journey! Organizations can endorse here.

TEAM

House of Tears Carvers

House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation have created more than 15 totem pole journeys over 20 years, covering more than 60,000 miles as they traveled to communities across North America facing threats to natural and cultural heritage, tribal sovereignty, public health, and the climate.

Se'Si'Le

Se’Si’Le is the Lummi language term for our grandmother. Respect for elders is central to Native life: to acknowledge Grandmother Earth is to invoke ancestral and cultural power. Se’Si’Le reintroduces Indigenous spiritual law into the mainstream conversation about climate change and the environment.

Native Organizers Alliance

Native Organizers Alliance (NOA) is dedicated to building the organizing capacity of tribes, organizers and community groups for transformational policy change. It also provides a forum for Native leaders, organizers and organizations to work in collaboration with each other and promote their work with non-Native national allies.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum (NHM) leverages the power of history, museums, monuments, and movements to change narratives, build alliances, educate the public and drive civic engagement in support of community-led movements for climate and environmental justice. To learn more visit http://thenaturalhistorymuseum.org

IllumiNative

IllumiNative is building an innovative organizational network that fosters meaningful participation from a diverse and committed collective of Native storytellers, artists, youth, organizers, tribal and grassroots leaders as well as non-Native partners in entertainment, media and social justice.

MEDIA KIT

Logos Images Overview: Sacred sites Background: Sponsors Background: Totem pole and journey

PRESS

IN THE MEDIA

Lummi Nation totem pole arrives in D.C. after journey to sacred lands across U.S.
The Seattle Times | August 5, 2021
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From Washington to D.C., this message to Biden is to work with tribes and honor treaties
Tacoma News Tribune | August 5, 2021
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Some highlights from the Red Road to DC
Sierra Club | August 5, 2021
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Indigenous heritage sits are at risk of destruction. Biden can change that.
EarthJustice | August 5, 2021
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Bay Mills Indian Community calls on Biden to shut down pipeline
Navajo Times | August 5, 2021
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NDN Collective joins Red Road to DC, delivers totem pole to Secretary Deb Haaland
Indian Country Today | August 5, 2021
Read more
“The Red Road to DC” totem pole contains strong messages of survival
Native News Online | August 5, 2021
Read more
Red Road to DC brings awareness to sacred sites and tribal rights
Indianz.com | August 5, 2021
Read more
Indigenous groups urge Biden to protect sacred sites
Thomson Reuters Foundation News | August 5, 2021
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Photos: Native American totem pole blessing ceremony
Washingtonian | August 5, 2021
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Haaland, Native American leaders press for Indigenous land protections
The Hill | August 5, 2021
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A 25-foot Native American totem pole arrives in D.C. after a journey to sacred lands across U.S.
The Washington Post | July 29, 2021
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Tribal members call on Biden to protect Bears Ears
Indian Country Today | July 21, 2021
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Settlers Have an Obligation to Defend Treaty Rights, Too
YES! Magazine | July 21, 2021
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Native American activists urge Biden to hear them out on sacred lands
Times News Express | July 19, 2021
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Native American activists urge Biden to listen to them in the sanctuary
Texas News Today | July 19, 2021
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Indigenous leaders call on Biden to enlarge Bears Ears as 25-foot totem pole travels from Washington state to Washington, D.C.
The Salt Lake Tribune | July 19, 2021
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For Native American activists crossing the nation with a totem pole, sacred lands are their Notre Dame
USA Today | July 17, 2021
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Islanders Flock to “Whale People: Protectors of the Sea”
Vashon Beachcomber | July 17, 2021
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Indigenous groups call for salmon protection and treaty ratification at Shoshone Falls
Idaho Mountain Express | July 17, 2021
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Tribes speak for the voiceless
Lewiston Tribune | July 17, 2021
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Nez Perce Tribe calls on Biden to protect Snake River sacred salmon
Indian Country Today | July 17, 2021
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Why is this totem pole traveling across America?
National Geographic | July 17, 2021
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Totem Pole Makes Its Way Across New Mexico to Biden Administration
The Paper (Albuquerque) | July 15, 2021
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Totem Pole Journey to Support Bears Ears Restoration This Weekend
Public News Service | July 15, 2021
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‘Red Road to D.C.’ calls for tribal consultation on projects that impact Native resources
| July 15, 2021
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Native activists begin cross-country tour to highlight at-risk sacred sites
Indian Country Today | July 15, 2021
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Indigenous people are trekking across the US with a 25-foot totem pole. Here’s why
CNN | July 14, 2021
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Native Americans are transporting a 5,000-pound totem pole to D.C. from the Pacific Northwest
Washington Post | June 20, 2021
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Totem pole’s inspiring journey to D.C. includes Bay Area stops
The Mercury News | June 4, 2021
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Lummi totem pole traveling through California starting June 3rd
Indian Country Today | June 3, 2021
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House of Tears Carvers displaying new totem pole this weekend at Chehalis reservation
Jolt News | May 28, 2021
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House of Tears carvers stop at Swinomish Reservation
La Conner Weekly News | May 26, 2021
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Totem pole touring state, West Coast, bound for Washington, D.C.
KIRO 7 News | May 21, 2021
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From sacred lands to D.C., this Lummi totem pole carries a message with it
KUOW 94.9 FM | May 19, 2021
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Totem pole and its messages brought to Swinomish reservation
Go Skagit | May 17, 2021
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Lummi Totem Pole To Embark on Journey to D.C. and the Smithsonian
Whatcom Talk | May 17, 2021
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Lummi Totem pole visits Madrona Point
The Islands' Sounder | May 16, 2021
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Totem pole travels through Portland to bring attention to pollution
KATU 2 ABC News | May 14, 2021
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On cross-country totem pole journey, carvers pay respect to children buried at Chemawa Cemetery
Salem Reporter | May 14, 2021
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Lummis call for accountability on Red Road to D.C.
The Lynden Tribune | May 12, 2021
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25-foot totem pole stops in Anacortes on national journey
Go Anacortes | May 12, 2021
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Lummi tribal carvers make Olympia stop on totem journey to D.C.
The Olympian | May 11, 2021
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Lummi Nation totem pole stops in Birch Bay before cross-country journey to D.C.
The Northern Light | May 11, 2021
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Cascadia Weekly: Lummi totem pole journey begins
Cascadia Weekly | May 11, 2021
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Totem blessing at Village Point
Lummi-island.com | May 4, 2021
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Lummi Nation carvers showcase new totem pole in Port Townsend
Port Townsend Leader | April 29, 2021
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Lummi Nation totem pole making journey to Biden
Indian Country Today | April 21, 2021
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A Totem Pole Carved by Lummi Nation Citizens As a Gift for Biden Prepares for Epic Journey to Washington
Native News Online | April 21, 2021
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Lummi Nation carvers and allies to embark on national tour to D.C., give totem pole to President Biden
The Seattle Times | April 12, 2021
Read more

PRESS RELEASES

July 26, 2021: Secretary Haaland to welcome totem pole at DC event on National Mall
July 27, 2021
Read more
July 18, 2021: Pueblo and Diné leaders call on Biden to protect Greater Chaco Canyon
July 19, 2021
Read more
July 17, 2021: Tribal members call on Biden to protect Bears Ears
July 17, 2021
Read more
July 15, 2021: Nez Perce Tribe calls on Biden to protect Snake River sacred salmon
July 15, 2021
Read more
July 14, 2021: Native activists begin cross-country tour to highlight at-risk sacred sites
July 14, 2021
Read more

About & Press

TEAM

House of Tears Carvers

Se'Si'Le

Native Organizers Alliance

The Natural History Museum

IllumiNative

MEDIA KIT

PRESS

IN THE MEDIA

Lummi Nation totem pole arrives in D.C. after journey to sacred lands across U.S.

From Washington to D.C., this message to Biden is to work with tribes and honor treaties

Some highlights from the Red Road to DC

Indigenous heritage sits are at risk of destruction. Biden can change that.

Bay Mills Indian Community calls on Biden to shut down pipeline

NDN Collective joins Red Road to DC, delivers totem pole to Secretary Deb Haaland

“The Red Road to DC” totem pole contains strong messages of survival

Red Road to DC brings awareness to sacred sites and tribal rights

Indigenous groups urge Biden to protect sacred sites

Photos: Native American totem pole blessing ceremony

Haaland, Native American leaders press for Indigenous land protections

A 25-foot Native American totem pole arrives in D.C. after a journey to sacred lands across U.S.

Tribal members call on Biden to protect Bears Ears

Settlers Have an Obligation to Defend Treaty Rights, Too

Native American activists urge Biden to hear them out on sacred lands

Native American activists urge Biden to listen to them in the sanctuary

Indigenous leaders call on Biden to enlarge Bears Ears as 25-foot totem pole travels from Washington state to Washington, D.C.

For Native American activists crossing the nation with a totem pole, sacred lands are their Notre Dame

Islanders Flock to “Whale People: Protectors of the Sea”

Indigenous groups call for salmon protection and treaty ratification at Shoshone Falls

Tribes speak for the voiceless

Nez Perce Tribe calls on Biden to protect Snake River sacred salmon

Why is this totem pole traveling across America?

Totem Pole Makes Its Way Across New Mexico to Biden Administration

Totem Pole Journey to Support Bears Ears Restoration This Weekend

‘Red Road to D.C.’ calls for tribal consultation on projects that impact Native resources

Native activists begin cross-country tour to highlight at-risk sacred sites

Indigenous people are trekking across the US with a 25-foot totem pole. Here’s why

Native Americans are transporting a 5,000-pound totem pole to D.C. from the Pacific Northwest

Totem pole’s inspiring journey to D.C. includes Bay Area stops

Lummi totem pole traveling through California starting June 3rd

House of Tears Carvers displaying new totem pole this weekend at Chehalis reservation

House of Tears carvers stop at Swinomish Reservation

Totem pole touring state, West Coast, bound for Washington, D.C.

From sacred lands to D.C., this Lummi totem pole carries a message with it

Totem pole and its messages brought to Swinomish reservation

Lummi Totem Pole To Embark on Journey to D.C. and the Smithsonian

Lummi Totem pole visits Madrona Point

Totem pole travels through Portland to bring attention to pollution

On cross-country totem pole journey, carvers pay respect to children buried at Chemawa Cemetery

Lummis call for accountability on Red Road to D.C.

25-foot totem pole stops in Anacortes on national journey

Lummi tribal carvers make Olympia stop on totem journey to D.C.

Lummi Nation totem pole stops in Birch Bay before cross-country journey to D.C.

Cascadia Weekly: Lummi totem pole journey begins

Totem blessing at Village Point

Lummi Nation carvers showcase new totem pole in Port Townsend

Lummi Nation totem pole making journey to Biden

A Totem Pole Carved by Lummi Nation Citizens As a Gift for Biden Prepares for Epic Journey to Washington

Lummi Nation carvers and allies to embark on national tour to D.C., give totem pole to President Biden

PRESS RELEASES

July 26, 2021: Secretary Haaland to welcome totem pole at DC event on National Mall

July 18, 2021: Pueblo and Diné leaders call on Biden to protect Greater Chaco Canyon

July 17, 2021: Tribal members call on Biden to protect Bears Ears

July 15, 2021: Nez Perce Tribe calls on Biden to protect Snake River sacred salmon

July 14, 2021: Native activists begin cross-country tour to highlight at-risk sacred sites

WE GIVE THANKS TO A GROWING NUMBER OF PARTNERS INVOLVED IN THE JOURNEY.

THE JOURNEY WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS.