A Ritual Walk with the Waters of the Willamette2
JoIn collaboration with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Portland Harbor Coalition, and Braided Rivers, and EcoFaith Recovery meeting in Portland for a ritual walk telling the “crucifixion” story of the Willamette River. Through use of EcoFaith’s Practices for Awakening Leadership we will engage the story of the river.
At seven stations along the perimeter of the University of Portland campus, leaders will tell the story of the Willamette River, as if the river were telling the story herself.
“I have many parents over 350 that have names, and countless others that are unnamed. All these waters make me who I am. These are some you may know: the Columbia slough, Johnson Creek, Tryon Creek, the Clackamas River….”
The story of the Willamette River is a beautiful story. It is also a painful story. A story of abuse, devastation, and of crucifixion. But it is also a story of rebirth and hope.
We will be taking an easy walk (approximately 1 mile) around the edge of campus, so dress for the weather and wear walking/hiking shoes. We will gather at the front doors of the University of Portland CHILES CENTER for introductions to one another and an introduction to the ritual.
More about the River’s Lament:
This video was made by EcoFaith Intern Elizabeth Herzfeldt-Kamprath
How to get there:
From I-5:
Take Rosa Parks Blvd. Exit and turn WEST
Follow Rosa Parks until it ends and turns north to become Willamette Blvd.
Follow Willamette Blvd. Until it turns north and you reach the University of Portland
Go to the main entrance and turn LEFT.
There is the main parking lot to the right.
Park in one of the spaces near the sports field and walk two tenths of a mile to gather at the CHILES CENTER where our ritual will begin at 1 pm
