I found it interesting that in your article about the Snoqualmie Tribe celebrating the eleventh anniversary of their tribal recognition, you noted that the ceremony was disrupted by unwanted noise. Apparently the noise of nearby woodcutters caused some of the celebrants to break into tears as their sacred observance was disrupted.

I sympathize. People should be able to have times when their surroundings are reflective of the sacred or solemn or celebratory nature of the event that’s occurring, even if the event is outdoors. What struck me is that the tribe was exposed to the exact treatment that they are perpetrating on the residents of the Valley. They had one sacred ceremony disturbed; I’m sure it will be quiet when they go to the Falls to celebrate their twelfth anniversary. Unfortunately, Valley residents can’t have that same assurance of quiet. We’ll continue to have our sacred moments—our evening walks, our outdoor weddings, our family celebrations—disturbed by the noise from the tribe’s casino concerts.

The only difference is they only had to have it happen once. We can look forward to it happening about thirty times next summer. I feel like crying with them.

Kit McCormick

Snoqualmie