Yachats Commons – 441 Highway 101 N, Yachats, Oregon
New Year’s Day 2026, Yachats, Oregon, will host the 16th Annual Peace Hike, a meaningful event that honors the legacy of the indigenous peoples who endured immense suffering under government-sponsored genocidal policies during the 19th century.
The Peace Hike commemorates the tragic history of the Alsea Subagency (1860–1875), highlighting the story of Amanda, a blind Native American (Coos) woman who was forcibly separated from her daughter and marched barefoot with other captives over 80 miles of rugged terrain to the Alsea Subagency prison camp in Yachats in 1864. This annual gathering serves as a solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives and a celebration of the resilience of their descendants, many of whom participate in the event each year.
A Time for Reflection and Education
The Peace Hike invites participants to reflect on the atrocities faced by the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Alsea Peoples and to deepen their understanding of this painful history. To support learning and reflection, participants are encouraged to:
- Watch the video “The Genocide of the Alsea Subagency”, narrated by Patricia Whereat Phillips, Miluk Coos, and the late Chief Donald Slyter of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6D-wkqXGy0.
- Explore the detailed Amanda’s Trail Curriculum, created by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians: https://ctsi.nsn.us/sb-13-curriculum/#7th-grade . Schedule of Events January 1, 2026
The day will be filled with ceremonies, reflections, and guided trail walks designed to honor the past and bring the community together:
8:30 – 9 AM – Doors Open at the Commons– Welcome – Yellow Bear (Yachats /community Drum) story.
9:00 AM – Mayor’s welcome Greeting -Origin of Hike – Physical Safety – Emotional Support Instructions.
9:30 AM – Opening Prayer – Story Telling -Amanda Story.
10:30 AM – Ceremonial cedar distributed – a fire will be lit at the Commons Park – the longer 2.2-mile Amanda Trail hike commences.
10:45 AM – Shorter trail walk commences, followed by the offering of cedar to the fire.
12:00 PM – Fire closing at the Commons Park.
12:00 PM – Amanda Gathering Area ceremony begins with a second fire, and cedar offering, prayers, songs, and stories from Tribal members.
Water, energy bars, and cookies generously prepared by the Yachats Ladies Club will be available at both the Commons and the Amanda Gathering Area.
DURING THE ENTIRE CEREMONIES, PLEASE ADHERE TO NO PHOTOS, AUDIO NOR VIDEO.
- All participants will receive a beautifully crafted Peace Hike button designed by Terri Theisen, Hanis Coos, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.
Join the Community in Honoring the Past
The Peace Hike is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a call to remember and learn from the past. Everyone is welcome to join this meaningful event in Yachats, a community dedicated to honoring its history while fostering healing and unity for the future.
