Page 3 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - July - August 2023

3
Heavenly harvest

Elders savor blueberries from newly purchased farm

The sun was shining as Chehalis tribal highly anticipated event. Fresh
elders took part in the annual u-pick at berries are enjoyed right away but also
Black River Blueberry Farm on July 22. used for jam, baking and to freeze for
This year’s event held special significance later in the year.
because the Chehalis Tribe recently As elders arrived, they staked out their
purchased the farm on Moon Road in rows and began picking sweet, ripe fruit.
Rochester from previous owners Nik and Volunteers and family members helped
Rebecca Pitharoulis. The land boasts more fill buckets for elders that couldn’t take part
than 100 acres. The deal was finalized last in the physical activity. Throughout the
spring and is important for the Chehalis morning, more pickers arrived as those whose
tribal people who are acquiring more of their buckets were full departed.
traditional lands. Each elder was gifted a pint of delicious
Blueberries were harvested Saturday honey and a full flat of blueberries in
morning until noon. The day is always a addition to those picked.

Below: The Chehalis
Tribe acquired the Black River
Blueberry Farm this past spring.
Chehalis tribal elders and their families selected the finest fruit during The purchase adds traditional
the annual u-pick at Black River Blueberry Farm on July 22. land to the tribe’s holdings.