Despite a one hour county-wide power outage the Amanda Trail Suspension Bridge Dedication took place on Saturday May 21, 2022. Participants either walked or were bused to the Amanda Gathering site. Approximately 125 people gathered at the bridge in the company of the statue of Amanda whose story was the focus of the weekend. There was a feeling of shared reverence in the audience for the historical significance, the magnificence of the bridge, and the collaborative partnerships that built it.
Speakers from the bridge acknowledged the cultural significance of the space, the bridge and the partnerships, dedication and persistence it represents. Speakers included:
- Lisa Sumption – Director, Oregon Parks, and Recreation Department
- Claire Hall – Lincoln County Commissioner
- Greg Scott – City Councilperson, Yachats Oregon
- Joanne Kittel – Chairperson View the Future
- Michelle Holman – Supervisor, Central Coast Ranger District, Siuslaw National Forest
- Robert Kentta, Tribal Council Member and Cultural Resources Director, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI)
- Selene Rilatos, Tribal Council Member, (CTSI)
- Doug Barrett, Tribal Council Member, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI)
- Julie Siestreem, Tribal Council Member, CTCLUSI
- Enna Helms, Tribal Council Member, CTCLUSI
- Jesse Beers, Cultural Stewardship Manager, CTCLUSI
- Mark Petrie, Tobacco Prevention Education Program Coordinator, CTCLUSI
Unfortunately, the county-wide power outage disrupted the livestream production scheduled at the Commons. The bridge dedication did get recorded and after it is professionally edited it will be made available on our YouTube channel.
Following an evening reception catered by Drift Inn, former mayor Ron Brean led a toast to Joanne Kittel recognizing her ongoing community contributions and leadership in many local projects. Prior to the start of the plays The Community Drum “Yellow Bear” was brought to the floor and rotating members of the audience were able to take turns joining in the drumming circle while others looked on.
Finally, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon the play “Amanda Transcending” written by Connie Bennett and directed by Milo Graamans was presented. The play, told in a side-by-side style tells the story of the Coos Native woman Amanda on part of the stage, and the story of how Joanne Kittel learned of it on the other side of the stage. Joanne’s research required establishing relationships with individuals including the local Confederated Tribes to understand the tragic historical truth so she could document it and ultimately bring it to light for all to know.
The Kittel’s also created a conservation easement on their property to provide forever access to the Amanda Trail, creating a connection to the Oregon Coast Trail, and preserving the Amanda Gathering Area, Amanda Statue and now the Amanda Trail Suspension Bridge for public use forever.
Board members of View the Future planned and carried out the Dedication events across the weekend and all felt it was a great success. Many, many volunteers made the weekend move smoothly. At the bridge, along the trail, at the Commons and for parking and transportation people with Volunteer badges were seen. We are deeply grateful to all of our Volunteers that stepped forward and made the vision for the Dedication become a reality.
We have a new bridge, it has been properly dedicated, it represents “Bridging of Cultures” and the weekend certainly opened hearts.
