IslandWood’s beginnings were forged with community support from friends, neighbors, local organizations and Coast Salish tribal groups. Our very own Great Hall, which welcomes thousands of students and community members each year with enriching performances, lectures, and music, features a traditional house post that is carved in the likeness of a dear friend to IslandWood, Vi Hilbert, or Vi taqᵂšəblu Hilbert (1918–2008). At the time of the house post’s conception, it was Vi that suggested that it be in the image of a grandmother welcoming children to IslandWood with open arms. In her culture, she explained, elders care for all grandchildren, not just their own. In the twenty years since, Grandmother Vi has welcomed over 50,000 children who have come to IslandWood to take part in the School Overnight Program.
Vi taqᵂšəblu Hilbert, an Upper Skagit tribal member, was born and raised by Skagit (Lushootseed) speaking parents in the Skagit River area of Washington State. She was educated from birth to the traditional customs and language of her Indian community.
Friend to IslandWood, and countless others, Vi Hilbert was a revered tribal elder of the Upper Skagit. She is credited with revitalizing the Lushootseed language and dedicated her life to recording and sharing the stories and teachings of its speakers through her research, writing, and performance. In 2006, she donated her collection of cedar baskets to IslandWood, envisioning that generations of students would touch and hold the baskets as they learned the stories of their creation.
Feeling heartbroken by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Vi taqᵂšəblu Hilbert, then an 83-year-elder, asked the spirit, “What can one person do to heal a sick world?” The answer she received was “music.” The Healing Heart of Lushootseed, a short documentary film, tells the extraordinary story of how a diminutive great-grandmother gathered support for her most ambitious project yet, to heal the heart of the world through music.
IslandWood was approached by the film’s producers and family members of Vi regarding a project and vision of hers that had come to fruition, and we welcome you to participate in this meaningful event.
This event is free and open to all. Seating is limited and we recommend you do not wait if you wish to reserve a ticket. We also ask that you cancel in advance if you cannot attend, as we will be running a waitlist. Thank you in advance for this consideration.
Your ticket includes: Welcome & Blessing, coffee, tea & house made cookies, Q&A, 40 minute documentary film, reception with the producers and tribal elders and leaders, and Coastal Salish inspired appetizers and a non-alcoholic beverage that honors the film and our stewardship of Salish land and waters.
Join us, and celebrate Vi, and a healing world.
