Event Recap:
On August 7th, the Olympia Green Drinks community gathered for another enriching evening filled with vibrant discussions, insightful presentations, and plenty of networking opportunities. This month’s event was highlighted by our special guest speaker, Mo, an archaeologist with extensive experience working with state parks and indigenous communities. Mo captivated the audience with stories of the geological and cultural histories of our region, emphasizing how understanding the past can guide us in addressing today’s climate challenges.
Event Highlights:
Community Announcements:
- Puget Sound Estuarium is buzzing with exciting events, fundraisers, and exhibits. It’s a great time to get involved and learn more about our local marine ecosystems.
- The Olympia Port Watching Groups are taking action, with a petition challenging logging activities. Their efforts to make information more accessible online are commendable.
- The Clean Water’s Alliance is gearing up for a summit focused on protecting the Black Hills from mining activities—an event not to be missed for those passionate about environmental preservation.
- Mark your calendars for Merisha Workshops on August 24th, where you can dive into permaculture and seed-saving techniques.
- Don’t forget the Festival of the Steh-chass on August 17th, a celebration of culture, community, and sustainability.
The Main Event: Guest Speaker Mo
Mo’s presentation was a deep dive into the intersection of archaeology and climate action. Highlighting the Stone Age, or what Mo termed the “Organic Age,” as a period of indigenous innovation, they discussed the concept of “catch and release archaeology” and the importance of returning people to the land as a form of sustainability. Mo reminded us that archaeology not only unearths lost artifacts but also uncovers the stories and practices that can inform our current climate strategies. They emphasized that many of our ancestors around the world survived climate challenges, and by understanding their methods, we can adapt similar approaches today.
One fascinating example shared was the indigenous use of ironwood trees, a brilliant illustration of how archaeological knowledge, when combined with indigenous wisdom, can offer profound insights. Mo explained how the bark and materials from these trees could be woven into incredibly strong, water-tight baskets. This process was not only ingenious and effective but also more sustainable than traditional pottery (and more lightweight). These woven baskets were lighter, compostable, and easily broken down, challenging the conventional notion that societies without pottery were primitive.
It was also emphasized that archaeology is not just about uncovering artifacts but also about understanding the innovative practices that have sustained communities for generations. They remarked, “I’ve always seen myself as Punk. And at some point, I learned that being an activist doesn’t always mean putting your body on the line.” This powerful statement resonated with many in the audience, reminding us that activism can take many forms, from scholarly work to everyday actions that drive change.
Upcoming Events: The evening also featured announcements of several other exciting upcoming events, including the grand opening of Oly Opi, a bird-watching tour, and a unique shark dissection event. Plus, don’t miss the Native Art Fair in Tacoma, which promises to be a fantastic celebration of indigenous art and culture.
Overall, the August edition of Olympia Green Drinks was a blend of education, activism, and community spirit. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the next event—stay tuned for more details!
For more event photos visit the Olympia Green Drinks’ Instagram Post!