Walk on the Water – Raising Awareness NOLNG253
by Benita Moore
The Tacoma Waterfront on Ruston Way was the site of the recent ‘Walk on the Water’ event, which aimed to raise awareness of the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility. The event marked the movement’s first major awareness campaign and saw NOLNG253 activists and new allies come together to inform and educate local residents.
The proposed 14-story, 8 million-gallon facility, being built by Puget Sound Energy (PSE), has generated concern among locals. The facility, set to be built on the Tacoma Tideflats, will produce between 250-500,000 gallons of LNG per day.
As supporters trickled in, the dinner crowd filled the restaurants at Point Ruston, and the beautiful summer evening added to the picturesque natural landscape of the area. The event attracted many new faces, along with the usual suspects, demonstrating the growing momentum of the movement.
One prominent new face was Joye Braun, part of the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) and the first person camper at Standing Rock last year. Joye came from her work with the KXL and DAPL opposition to support the Puyallup Tribe. Her presence and that of other new friends added to the joyful and hopeful atmosphere of the event.
Before the walk started, Dakota Case from the Puyallup Water Warriors was honored, and Paul ‘Chiyokten’ Wagner presented him with an eagle feather. Dakota told the crowd that during a recent boat ride, the ancestors reclaimed the white Eagle Feather that usually hangs from his cedar hat, so being honored with another feather was very touching. The two then led a prayer song, and the stirring moment brought some proud sighs from the crowd and a few tears from a proud mother. It was the perfect way to start the walk from this former Superfund site.
Overall, the ‘Walk on the Water’ event successfully raised awareness of the proposed LNG facility, demonstrating the growing momentum of the movement and the passion of those who want to protect their community and natural environment.
