Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 the Nisqually Tribe will hold a Memorial Walk in Lakewood to honor Chief Leschi. The walk is held on his birthday, a date with significance for the tribe and one that holds special meaning.
The walk will begin from Oakbrook Plaza at a historical stone marker that acknowledges the hanging of Leschi in 1858 not far from where the present day shopping complex now stands. The purpose of the walk is to share Leschi’s story, including his exoneration in 2004, and the larger story of the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854.
Tribal leaders will gather at 10:30 a.m. and walk a little over a mile down Steilacoom Boulevard to Fort Steilacoom Park. From there they’ll enter the park and speakers will share tribal history, culture and stories. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend.
Traffic will be impacted along Steilacoom Boulevard around of the time of the walk, as the group proceeds down the center turn lane on Steilacoom Boulevard. Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes and drive slow in the area.
