New art plaza in Memorial Park celebrates P’squosa history and culture

WENATCHEE — On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, community members, city leaders, and P’squosa representatives gathered at Memorial Park on Oct. 13 for the dedication of the newly completed P’squosa Plaza.

The art plaza honors the P’squosa, also known as the Wenatchi, whose ancestral homelands extend from the Cascade Range through the Wenatchee Valley. The Wenatchi are one of the 12 bands that make up the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. They were named in the Yakama Treaty of 1855, but language to establish a Wenatchi Reservation was never carried out, even after surveys were completed. Many were later displaced by the U.S. government and moved to the Colville Reservation, where their descendants continue to live today. They continue to practice their culture, harvest traditional foods and medicines, and hold ceremonies that have been passed down through generations.

“I wish we could call it home again, but as we get older, we probably won’t see it. But today is a good day. Great-grandfather is probably smiling down on us. It’s about time to give people some recognition,” said John Dick, a great-grandson of Wenatchi Chief John Harmelt. “I’m proud to be Wenatchi. I’m proud of all my people, and all my fellow tribesmen.”

This history, along with the tribal stories of the bear, owl, salmon and coyote, are shared on interpretive signs placed along four seat walls that circle the plaza. The signs are accompanied by sculptures created by Swede Albert, an Okanogan Valley artist. The circular plaza symbolizes a basket that holds stories and legends, with a paving pattern inspired by the weaving work of Bernadine Phillips.

Built by Oregon artist Jud Turner using locally found steel items, the central sculpture features Harmelt on horseback. The installation represents the past, and incorporates the symbolic coyote, owl, salmon and bear.

Representing the future, a contemporary sculpture called “Jordan” depicts a mother and daughter walking towards a bright future while carrying the tribe’s legends and history with them. The sculpture was created by Sultan-based artist Kevin Pettelle

“That’s exactly what we’re trying to do is show you where we were, and actually, we’re still here,” said Entiat elder and author Wendell George.

The plaza project dates back to 2015, when the city conducted a nine month public process to update Memorial Park’s master plan, which included workshops, meetings and surveys. The process resulted in a plan to upgrade utilities, improve ADA access, and add a feature to honor Wenatchee’s first people.

Funding was approved in 2021, but the project met challenges with the original artist design team. According to the City of Wenatchee, staff developed a design concept based on the project goals, additional outreach and research; it was embraced by the city council, Wenatchee Advisory Group, and the Arts, Recreation and Parks Commission.

Inspiration for the central sculpture came from the artwork of Virgil “Smoker” Marchand, a member of the Arrow Lakes Band of the Colville Confederated Tribes and sculpture artist who specialized in steel. While enthusiastic about the project, said Wenatchee Parks and Recreation Director David Erickson, Marchand was unable to participate due to declining health. Turner was subsequently selected to design and create the sculpture.

“We are in Memorial Park. This plaza, however, is not a memorial. It is a tribute. It is, at the same time, a celebration. It is a long overdue expression of gratitude to generations of P’squosa sitting here today, gratitude for the generations now living, and gratitude for the generations yet born,” said former Wenatchee City Councilmember Mark Kulaas.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media