View the Future’s mission includes cultural preservation and education of the public about historical truths. Toward that end, VtF took on a two-part project, “Local First Nation Historical Signs.” Part one has been completed with the installation of five signs on Yachats trails commemorating the history of the First Nation people who lived in the Yachats area. VtF raised over $6,000 in donations and also obtained a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation’s Oregon Parks Foundation Fund.
Part two of this project includes two more signs to be placed at the Amanda Gathering area replacing a deteriorating information box with the Amanda Story and Prison Camp years described. The signs have been designed, are being produced, and will be ready for installation by September. The Local First Nation Historical Signs Project is expected to bring greater awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the history of the local Original People, and lead to a commitment to preserve that history including archaeological site preservation.
Many people deserve thanks and recognition for the completion of part two of this project. First of all VtF Chairperson Joanne Kittel whose vision and persistence overcame every obstacle and kept the project focused and always true to the historical truths. For historic accuracy, the sign development was reviewed and approved by Jesse Beers, Mark Petrie, and Doc Slyter, of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians; heartfelt gratitude also goes to Diane Disse who worked tons of hours and performed her magic. These signs likely would never be a reality without her. A big thank you to Kathee Chistensen and her family and friends for their donations and to the City of Yachats Trails for theirs. And gratitude to the Three Rivers Foundation for not only awarding VtF a grant for this project but also increasing the requested amount. Installation of the signs will be managed by a team of Angell Job Corps students.
