Awareness: Flash Mob Time!
by Darren Moore
Saturday, July 29, 2017. Tacoma, Washington. On a warm Saturday, the Annual Ethnic Fest in Tacoma’s Wright Park was in full swing. The aroma of food from various trucks filled the air, families laughed and played, and the sound of live music underscored the festival’s lively atmosphere. But as the afternoon wore on, a new sound began to ripple through the crowd—a distant drumming growing ever louder. The band on stage quieted, their eyes, along with the crowd’s, turning toward the source.
Led by the Puyallup Water Warriors, a group of water protectors entered the park, the rhythmic beats of their drums punctuating each step. Their arrival was met with applause; festival-goers sensed that the atmosphere had subtly shifted. This was not just a celebration of culture but a moment for communal reflection.
Dakota Case, a Puyallup tribal member and a Water Warrior, took the microphone. “We’re here to raise awareness of a time bomb being put on our port,” he announced, his words cutting through the celebratory air. “Our ecosystems are slowly dying, and we’re saying enough is enough.”
Patricia Gonzales, another Puyallup tribal member, followed Dakota. “As Native people,” she began, “we’re told to take care of Mother Earth, to care for our fish. These are medicine to us.” Her voice carried a sense of urgency but also a touch of sorrow. “One of our treaty rights is to be able to fish, to dive for geoduck, to crab, and all of those are being threatened.”
At the heart of the Water Warriors’ demonstration lies the broader struggle against the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility at the Port of Tacoma. The facility, which has been the subject of heated debate and community activism, symbolizes an intersection of environmental degradation and violation of indigenous rights. Plans for the facility include storing and converting natural gas into a liquid form for easier export, a process that presents considerable risks to both local ecosystems and the communities that inhabit them. As part of the Puyallup Tribe’s ongoing fight against the LNG facility, the protest at the Ethnic Fest was a creative yet poignant way to draw the community’s attention to a critical issue.
As the Water Warriors wrapped up their intervention, they performed a song. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a message, a plea, a reminder of the weight of responsibility. The crowd, initially gathered for a day of cultural celebration, now found themselves united by a pressing issue that extended beyond the confines of the park. The Water Warriors had succeeded in transforming a public space into a platform for vital discussion, leaving festival-goers not just entertained but informed and perhaps even mobilized. The power of their peaceful demonstration reverberated long after they had left, adding a layer of depth to an event that will be remembered for more than its festivities.
Relation to Ancestral Waters: A Documentary
First appearing on July 29, 2017, this article is part of an ongoing series documenting the Indigenous-led campaign against the Tacoma LNG facility.
The article has since been edited to remove time-sensitive elements, such as calls to action, in order to serve as an historical and educational resource. You can also explore other related articles and resources on the Ancestral Waters page for a more contextual understanding of the issues and events.
While the full “Ancestral Waters” documentary is available for screenings, we invite you to watch the trailer for a glimpse into the comprehensive story of resiliency and activism told in the film.
