Benches were installed at two sites on the čičməhán Trail just in time to enjoy the view on Indigenous Peoples Day, Oct. 12, and throughout the year. 

The benches are located at the Four Points interpretive sign at the intersection of Van Buren and Blaine and the Laurel Grove Cemetery gravesite of S’Klallam Chief čičməhán, his wife si?ám’itsa (see-hem’itza) and a grandson. Chief čičməhán, also known as Duke of York to the non-native settlers lived in qátay from 1808-1888. 

After being banished from their traditional lands by the government, čičməhán’s descendents, the Prince family and other Tribal citizens, relocated to land north of Sequim known as Jamestown.

From Four Points one can view Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, the Olympic Mountains and Orcas Island on a clear day. Chief čičməhán’s gravesite offers a southeastern view over the trees to Port Townsend Bay.

A grant from the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation funded the purchase of the beautifully designed yet sturdy Plainwell benches. Site and bench selection were facilitated by Marion Huxtable of DASH, Disability Awareness Starts Here of Jefferson County.

To learn more about the history of the S’Klallam people in the village of qátay you can view a video by Tulalip TV that tells the story of the trail from conception through the dedication ceremony June 29, 2019 (www.tulaliptv.com/cicmehan
trail). The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s website offers an in-depth history (www.tribalmuseum.jamestowntribe.org/hsg/exhibits/chetzemokatrail/ct_menu.php).

A 30-page booklet created by the Tribe includes a trail map and descriptions of all 18 of the historic sites. Contact chetzemokatrail@gmail.com.

The čičməhán Trail is a project of Native Connections Action Group at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, in partnership with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. Celeste Dybeck, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Elder, is the project lead. The group continues to look for ways to enhance the trail and educate the community.

Barbara Jo Blair
PORT TOWNSEND