Roslyn is situated within the Yakama Nation’s historic Treaty Territory, which encompasses the greater Columbia River Basin and Cascade Mountains region in eastern Washington. The history of Tribal stewardship spans thousands of years and continues to this day. In November 2020, the Roslyn Downtown Association entered into a partnership agreement with the Yakama Nation to develop educational materials, public displays, and experiential learning opportunities throughout the local area. The partnership emphasizes the Yakama Nation’s history, culture, and continuing land and resource stewardship efforts in Roslyn – an important early step toward expanding Main Street’s role in sharing the complete and accurate history and culture of the region.
One such project, a direct result of the partnership agreement between the RDA and the Yakama Nation, is the public art masterpiece known as Creator’s Law. The sculpture installation, located in the downtown park, features artwork by Lin McJunkin and Milo White, and was funded and managed by the RDA.
The sculpture symbolizes the Creator’s Law, illustrating how earth, water, air, and both natural and cultural resources influence our minds, bodies, and spirits. The design and message were shaped in collaboration with Yakama Nation Tribal Council Chairman Gerald Lewis, Tribal Councilmembers Terry Heemsah and Caseymac Wallahee, and the Cultural Resource Committee, including cultural consultant and archaeologist Noah Oliver.
Noah, who co-led the sculpture initiative with Cheri Marusa, RDA President, emphasized the meaning of the Scared Acknowledgment of the Creator’s Law. LAND (Mother Earth), WATER (Giver of Life), AIR (Our Sacred Breath), and all cultural resources are divine gifts from the Creator. These resources sustain life and nourish our spirits, requiring us to honor and protect them. This stewardship has been part of Yakama tradition for thousands of years. Today, many of these resources face threats, making it vital to uphold our shared responsibilities to safeguard them for future generations.
The partnership between RDA and the Yakama Nation, as exhibited through the Creator’s Law sculpture and other initiatives, demonstrates how community organizations and Indigenous nations can collaborate to produce shared cultural expressions that inspire and educate. It shows that communities can build bridges that honor cultural heritage and foster unity through respectful partnership, meaningful dialogue, and mutual learning.
Accepting the Award for Community Partnership this evening are RDA President Cheri Marusa and Board Member Jeri Porter.
Above content and award presentation by Breanne Durham | Senior Program Director
Washington State Main Street Program | Washington Trust for Historic Preservation