NOLNG Women's March. The Sister Resisters.
by Benita Moore
Tuesday, August 9, 2017. Tacoma, Washington. The Women’s March in Tacoma, Washington, began with a moment of recognition and honor. David Bean of the Puyallup Tribe took the stage to pay tribute to several Puyallup tribal women who had been instrumental in the fight against Puget Sound Energy’s proposed fracked gas facility. These women were then given the place of honor to lead the march, a fitting start to an event that underscored the sacred role of women in safeguarding Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth).
The procession originated from tranquil Wrights Park, where a sense of unity and purpose was already palpable. The air was filled with the warm hum of greetings, hugs, and shared moments captured in photographs. Opening the event was a stirring prayer through song and drum, led by women warriors. Sweetgrass was ceremonially burned to honor local tribal communities, setting a tone of reverence and solidarity.
As the marchers made their way toward City Hall, word circulated that the Tacoma City Council had adjourned their monthly citizens’ forum earlier than expected. Undeterred, the crowd assembled outside the municipal building. One by one, women stepped up to the microphone to deliver the testimonies they had originally prepared for the City Council. Their words were not just spoken; they resonated deeply, each utterance adding to a rising tide of collective emotion.
The march concluded at Tollefson Plaza, where participants were uplifted by a series of compelling speeches. Among them was Puyallup tribal matriarch and respected activist Ramona Bennett. The speakers called upon everyone to view Earth not merely as a resource, but as a cherished relative. They reflected on the adversity women have faced and drawn parallels between these individual struggles and society’s treatment of the planet.
In essence, the Women’s March served as a triumph of spirit and a testament to the resilience and fortitude of women. It functioned as a vivid reminder of the pivotal role women play in instigating meaningful change. Those in attendance will long remember the day’s events, and the connections made are certain to endure, fortifying the community in its continued defense of Grandmother Earth.
Additional Information: Link to Ancestral Waters Documentary
First appearing on August 8, 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.
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