Blessing the La Conner Swinomish Library

Like loons calling across the water, like Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," the Swinomish Canoe Family hushed the crowd of 150 people as they sang and drummed a blessing prayer, the chorus meandering its way from the majestic totem outside into the La Conner Swinomish Library Saturday afternoon.

The building felt just a little more hallowed. And crowded. Whew! There were a lot of people there.

The pole, made from a 400-year old western red cedar, carved by Kevin Paul and assisted by his son-in-law Camas Logue, represents sharing of resources, guidance and wisdom. The figure at the bottom is a Coas...