You can hear a Coast Salish legend that's reminiscent of the Danish fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" as a Skagit County exhibit of American Indian artifacts draws to a close this weekend.
"Ko Kwal Alwoot: The Maiden of Deception Pass," is presented from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner.
"It's a song and storytelling that tells the story of the maiden," said Jo Wolfe, the museum's publicity coordinator. "It's going to be a wonderful presentation."
It will feature Leslie Eastwood, general manager of the Samish Tribe in Anacortes, and traditional native songs performed by the Samish Singers. The program is free with admission to the museum.
In addition, native carver Tracy Powell will discuss his "Maiden of Deception Pass" story pole that was erected at Deception Pass State Park in 1983.
"He'll talk about the process of creating the statue," Wolfe said.
It's all part of a ceremonial closing for the "Native Journey" exhibit of Coast Salish baskets, stone tools, canoes and other artifacts that honors the annual canoe journey, hosted this year by the Swinomish Tribe near La Conner.
"Maiden of Deception Pass" is a 23-foot tall, 5-foot wide cedar story pole with placards that describe the Coast Salish legend. It stands near Rosario Beach at Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island.
Represented on the story pole, Ko Kwal Alwoot is a native woman on one side and a sea-dweller on the other.
Fans of Hans Christian Andersen will see similarities in his 1837 tale of a mermaid who is willing to give up immortality under the sea for the love of a handsome prince.
In the Samish Indian story, a sea-dwelling man covets an Indian maiden. She is denied permission to marry out of her father's fear that she will drown, but the man threatens that food from the sea will vanish unless she is allowed to marry him.
Because the story pole is in a state park, visitors will need to buy either a day pass at $10, or the new an annual $30 Discover Pass. To see the pole, take Highway 20 west from Interstate 5, turning south at the fork for Anacortes. Turn right at Rosario Road and then left at Rosario Beach Road. It's easily accessible via a short trail from the parking area. The area also features a playground, excellent tide pooling and trails that even small children can travel with ease.
Admission to the Skagit County Historical Museum is $4 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, and $8 for families. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. For more information, call 360-466-3365 or go online to skagitcounty.net/museum.
