New Year's Day Peace Hike Near Yachats Remembers Native Struggles on Oregon Coast

Published 12/22/24 at 5:45 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Yachats, Oregon) – Every year near Yachats, solemnity and soaring beauty are part of New Year's Day, going on over a decade now. It's this coming New Year's Day 2025 when Yachats will once again host the 15th Annual Peace Hike, a meaningful event honoring the legacy of the indigenous peoples who endured immense suffering under government-sponsored genocidal policies during the 19th century.

The annual Peace Hike commemorates the tragic history of the Alsea Subagency (1860-1875) on the central Oregon coast and highlights the poignant story of Amanda, a blind Native American woman of the Coos nation. In 1864, Amanda was cruelly separated from her daughter and forced to march barefoot, along with other captives, over 80 miles of harsh terrain to the Alsea Subagency prison camp in Yachats.

“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,” said organizers. See Yachats Gruesome History

It takes place along one of the more gorgeous hiking paths of the Oregon coast.

Participants in the Peace Hike are invited to reflect on the atrocities experienced by the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Alsea Peoples, fostering a deeper 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: Genocide of the Alsea Subagency.

Explore the detailed Amanda’s Trail Curriculum, created by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians: Amanda’s Trail Curriculum.

Schedule of Events

The day's events are filled with ceremonies, reflections, and guided trail walks designed to honor the past and bring the community together:

9:30 AM – The Yachats Community Drum will be available at the Yachats Commons (441 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 94798), with drumming commencing.

10:00 AM – A fire will be lit at the Commons, signaling the start of the opening ceremony, featuring storytelling by Tribal members and recounting Amanda's story.

10:30 AM – Trail walks begin. Participants can choose from several trail options indicated on a map provided by the Yachats Trails Committee, all of which are available at the Commons. Parking options are possible for those not wishing to hike the full distance to the Amanda Gathering Area (2.2 miles south of the Commons). Volunteers at the Commons will offer instructions. A ceremonial fire will be lit at both the Amanda Gathering Area and the Commons, where participants can place cedar sprigs.

12:00 PM – A special ceremony, led by Tribal members, will take place at the Amanda Gathering Area.

1:00 PM – Closing ceremonies will be held at both the Amanda Gathering Area and the Commons.

This powerful event provides a space for reflection, community, and honoring the enduring spirit of the Alsea Subagency's descendants.

“Water, energy bars, and cookies generously prepared by the Yachats Ladies Club will be available at both the Commons and the Amanda Gathering Area,” said organizers.

Additional Highlights

• All participants will receive a beautifully crafted Peace Hike button designed by artist Morgan Gaines, Quuiich (Lower Umpqua), of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.

• Committee members will be on hand at the Yachats Commons to provide guidance, maps, and answer any questions.

For more information contact: : joannekittel@viewthefuture.org or
yachatstrails@gmail.com

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