The first art piece installed at Lake Sammamish State Park honors the Snoqualmie Tribe Elder Xa-cha-blu, known as Marie Louie.
Marie Louie was born about 1800 and lived most of her 100-plus years on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish (now home to the state park), and traveled by canoe and on foot between Seattle and the Cascade mountains. She helped native and immigrant women in childbirth, gathering and administering plant medicines.
Northwest woodcarver Greg Watson created the art a piece — a paddle located along the lakeshore by Tibbetts Beach.
Watson will discuss the piece and Marie Louie at 5 p.m. Sept. 22, 2016, on location in the park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road. The public is welcome to attend.
Watson learned carving from an Upper Skagit Elder, who also taught him much about the Northwest Native Americans, including the Snoqualmie people.
Following the Marie Louie presentation, members and guests of Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park will gather for a potluck supper and annual meeting.