Another independence to honor

For the past two days, members of the Quinault Indian Nation gathered in their coastal homeland to honor a different independence alongside the Fourth of July.

Tuesday and Wednesday, the Quinault celebrated Chief Taholah Days, which commemorate the signing of the Quinault Treaty on July 1, 1855.

On that day along the Quinault River, U.S. government officials met with Chief Taholah and other chiefs and tribal members to sign the agreement that designated land for exclusive tribal use.

Guy Capoeman, vice chairman of the Quinault Tribal Council, said the treaty established the right of the Quinault to govern and regulate themselves.

The treaty represents "the backbone of our government and the backbone of our people," Capoeman said. "It's a celebration of the foresight of our ancestors in guaranteeing that we would be able to live our ancestral ways. Without that document it would be hard to live those ways and protect our land."

The U.S. Independence Day is also recognized, with plenty of American flags and a Fourth of July parade.

The festivities took place in the town of Taholah, the tribal headquarters, north of Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County.

Capoeman said the celebration has been held for more than 100 years.