JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – The songs of the Nisqually Nation rang out May 5 at Range 91 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, to include the solo voices of Nisqually children. They opened the 2025 Leschi-Quiemuth Honor Walk, hosted by the Nisqually Nation and JBLM.
About 70 people, including those from the Nisqually Nation, military leadership, and civilian staff and service member volunteers, participated in the daylong event, which acknowledged the traditional homelands of the Nisqually Nation and honored the last Nisqually war chief, Chief Leschi, and his brother, Quiemuth. Participants visited sacred heritage sites including ceded and allotment lands and familial cemeteries via a 12-mile bus tour and run, a bus tour with a 2.5-mile walk, and a 7.2-mile walk.
“I’d like to gratefully acknowledge the Nisqually Indian Tribe, on whose ancestral lands we gather here today,” JBLM Garrison Commander Col. Kent Park said. “We are here not only as guests, but as neighbors to honor the enduring spirit, culture and traditions of the Nisqually people and the vibrant native communities of the South Puget Sound. This land carries deep meaning, and today we walk in remembrance and respect for that heritage.”
The day represented an opportunity to share and learn about Nisqually culture.
“It’s a great feeling when we come out here and we’re able to honor (Chief Leschi) and our Nisqually people and what we’ve endeavored throughout the number of years,” said Nisqually Chairman Ken Choke.
Staff Sergeant Tammi Lawter, Army Counterintelligence Command Region III at JBLM, brought her three children and two of their friends to learn about Nisqually history. She said she spoke with the kids beforehand, emphasizing listening and paying attention.
“I’m excited to learn about the Nisqually,” said her eldest daughter, Madison Lawter, 12.
Grace Ann Byrd, of the Nisqually Nation, brought her 4-year-old granddaughter to the event.
“I get to take her on a walk and show her our original homelands,” Byrd said. She explained that her family told her, “‘It’s important to know where our allotments were, and you will need to teach your children and their children that we lived over here.’”
Park emphasized the importance of JBLM’s relationship with the Nisqually Nation.
“As garrison commander, I see growing opportunities for us to walk this path together, not just today, but in the days ahead,” he said. “The Nisqually Indian Tribe and other South Sound tribal nations have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. Their deep knowledge of the environment, their commitment to sustainability and their strength as a community make them invaluable partners. I look forward to the continuing dialogue and building even stronger partnerships based on mutual respect, shared stewardship and vision for the future.”
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