Information presented on behalf of Joanne Kittel, honorary tribal member and one of the organizers of the annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike in Yachats.
As one of the Tribes whose history and ancestors are honored through this commemoration, your voices and artistry hold a very special place in this gathering.
For the past 15 years, Yachats has hosted the tribally led annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike—a commemoration of the tragic history of the Alsea Subagency and the Amanda story. This meaningful event honors the legacy of Indigenous peoples who endured immense suffering under government-sponsored genocidal policies of the 19th century. The gathering serves as both a solemn remembrance of those who were lost and a recognition of the strength and resilience of their descendants. (Attached you will find a brochure with more details.)
Each year, a different artist contributes an original artwork to the Peace Hike. That artwork is then graphically adapted into the annual Peace Hike button, which is distributed to all volunteers, Tribal guests, and participants. (Attached are examples of past buttons.)
The selected artist is recognized in our press release and at the Peace Hike itself, which we hope they and their family can attend. In addition, the artist is welcome to host a table at the Yachats Commons (our community center and starting point for the Hike) to display or sell their art. Last year’s Peace Hike welcomed well over 250 participants of all ages.
For the 2026 Peace Hike button, we are inviting submissions from CTCLUSI artists, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians will also be submitting artwork. Because of printing deadlines, submissions must be received by November 13, 2025. If multiple submissions are received, we may select artists not only for 2026 but also for future Peace Hikes (2027, 2028, etc.).
If you are interested, please email your artwork submission (created specifically for the Peace Hike) to both:
- Joanne Kittel, Peace Hike planning organizer: joannekittel@viewthefuture.org
- Alycia Cossey, CTCLUSI Cultural Stewardship Associate: acossey@ctclusi.org
For any questions or more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (541) 961-8374.
With gratitude,
Joanne Kittel
Peace Hike Organizer
joannekittel@viewthefuture.org
www.viewthefuture.org
