Snoqualmie Tribe asks agencies to protect this sacred site and its visitors
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe has asked the U.S. Department of the Interior, state Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to restrict flights over its sacred Snoqualmie Falls.
Citing a sharp increase in low altitude and unregulated air tours in the past year, the Tribe affirms the agencies must uphold their trust obligation by introducing the restrictions.
Since spring 2020, the Tribe has expressed concerns about two helicopter tour operators that advertise flights above Snoqualmie Falls. After requests have not stopped the flights, the Tribe is appealing to the public through its Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement for individuals to file complaints with the FAA.
“The airspace above Snoqualmie Falls is being continuously violated by low-flying helicopter tours that infringe upon our right to enjoy our sacred site,” said Chairman Robert de los Angeles in a news release. “These private aviation companies are capitalizing our sacred site and violating our rights as Snoqualmie people to practice our cultural beliefs at the Falls in peace. It is our obligation, as Snoqualmie people, to do everything we can to protect our sacred site from continued harm.”
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe — known as the People of the Moon — has held religious and cultural ceremonies at the falls since time immemorial. It is central to the Tribe’s creation story and religious practice.
In 2019, the Tribe purchased the Salish Lodge & Spa and surrounding parcels of land. Puget Sound Energy holds the license to two hydroelectric generating plants at the falls.
At a recent meeting between Gov. Jay Inslee and Tribal leaders, de los Angeles said Tribal sovereignty was not considered in the decision-making over the falls.
“We cannot be complacent and congratulate each other when our own ancestors cannot rest in peace to know that each generation is losing the opportunity to share in the ancient traditions of the land,” he said.
The 268-foot waterfall — which is listed on the National Register as a Traditional Cultural Property — sees over 2 million visitors a year, Tribal Councilmember Christopher Castleberry said in a news release.
Located about 30 miles east of Seattle on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, the site is one of the state’s most popular scenic attractions.
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Natasha Brennan covers Washington state tribes’ impact on our local communities, environment and politics, as well as traditions, culture and equity issues, for McClatchy media companies in Bellingham, Olympia, Tacoma and Tri-Cities.
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In addition to being disrespectful, the Tribe is concerned that the flights are distracting and dangerous to nearby residents and visitors.
“We need a solution that will protect the airspace above Snoqualmie Falls, similar to the airspace restrictions in place over National monuments. We need immediate action in order to ensure that the 2 million-plus individuals who visit our sacred site each year are kept safe,” Castleberry said.
This story was originally published December 2, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
