A highlight of this family-friendly event is the connection to the Native Americans who first lived and thrived here along the banks of the Columbia River

The annual Parkersville Day event, held the first Saturday of June, celebrates the rich history of the site of the Parker’s Landing Historical Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal. A highlight of this family-friendly event is the connection to the Native Americans who first lived and thrived here along the banks of the Columbia River.

At the 2023 event, Sam Robinson, Chinook Indian Nation Tribal Council vice president and local resident, brought his personal canoe into the park. “His criteria for bringing it was to have 12 able-bodied volunteers prepared to carry the canoe from its trailer to the grass,” said Susan Tripp, Parkersville Day organizer. “It is quite a feat to move this 31-foot vessel named “itsxutis” (Blackbear). Getting to have the opportunity to see and touch it, and hearing Sam’s talks, is a highlight of the event for all ages.”

Robinson will once again open the event at noon on June 1, 2024, with a traditional Chinook blessing song.

Born in South Bend, Washington, the home of his Ancestors, Robinson is the third grandson of Thomas Huckswelt, a Lower Chinook Headsman, and a signer of the Anson Dart Treaty at Tansey Point in 1851. Huckswelt’s wife was Cha’isht, a high status Willapa Chinook woman, and Sam’s third great grandmother.

The Parkersville National Historic and Archeological Site held a Dedication Ceremony on September 12, 2009, for the added Chinook Plaza. The five-year project involved studying and researching Chinook Indian culture, working with architectural drawings, and collaborating with Chinook tribal members.

Chinook artist Greg Robinson created the Chinook concept and artwork at the plaza. He carved and polished the seven-and-a-half-foot Coyote sculpture, incorporating typical Chinook art forms, such as exposed ribs and prominent eyes. In 2009, this stone sculpture was the tallest known on the West Coast, north of Mexico. The Coyote is carved from granite. From his perch, he watches over the plaza and park. The included salamander on the carving is an ancient symbol.

On the west side of the plaza a four-and-one-half-foot basalt stone holds the carved name of Tavi in honor of Chinook leaders and their people in the lower Columbia River Region. Nearby are three planters containing native plants which were important to the Chinook. Storyboards give the details. Greg Archuleta of the Grand Ronde Tribe created this interpretive work.

Sam Robinson consulted with the Parker’s Landing Advisory Committee (PAC) to the Port on the added Chinook elements. A pondless waterfall surrounded by native plants fulfilled the original intent of those planning the development of Parker’s Landing Historical Park which was dedicated on June 1, 1986.

Robinson is an advocate for Chinook justice and tribal recognition. He teaches at Clark College and is sought out as a consultant and speaker. His preferred audience is young people with a passion to reach the next generation.

Robinson has served on the Chinook Indian Nation Tribal Council for over 22 years, and as Vice President for the past 12 years. He is a member of the Chinook Canoe Family, serving on the Chinook Education Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.

Robinson assisted Portland State University during the archeological work done at Cathlapotle and helped construct the Cathlapotle Plankhouse in Richfield, Washington. He also served on the University of Washington’s Native American Advisory Board for six years. His life of service includes serving in the U.S. Army for four years after being a graduate of La Center High School in 1975 along 13 other students together since first grade.

Currently, Robinson serves on several boards that include the Richfield Wildlife, Confluence, Clark College, and the Native American Parents Group of Clark County.

Attend the third annual Parkersville Day on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Parkersville Historical Park on Saturday, June 1 from noon-3 p.m. to meet Sam Robinson, visit the Chinook Indian Nation booth and learn more. For more information about the event, contact SusanLTripp@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark