The Original Legend of the Nisqually Raven

Many Moons ago three roamed and served the lands surrounding the great body of water now called Puget Sound. To the North was Tahoma. The strong Bear. Tillicum, the mighty Thunderbird, came from the South. And to the West lived Kcumkum, the endearing Salmon. For many years the three had strong tribes and great leaders. They gave themselves to cheerful service, working hard to serve those around them. Their lands were prosperous, full of happiness. That would end, however, as a great darkness fell upon the lands: all became lost. The people looked to the Chiefs of the three for guidance. The leaders worked very hard to continue their service and spirit, they called upon their memories and they called upon each other. They did not give up to the great darkness.

After twelve changes of the seasons in the darkness, a bright light shown upon the lands. It was a symbol for the three to gather, a conclave for all the people. KcumKum from the West, Tillicum from the South, and Tahoma from the North gathered at the light, brighter than the rising sun. The people gathered in the trees of the forest; the feathers of the Raven, Nisqually. They became as one: Kcumkum the body of the Raven, Tillicum the tail of the Raven, and Tahoma as its wings. The one is called Nisqually, "One Who Serves the Land." It has now been many years since the three gathered, becoming one. Nisqually has filled the land with the incredible bright light of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness and Service.  Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui.

Merger Process

Representatives from Kcum Kum #285, Tahoma #348, and Tillicum #392 Lodges met on Saturday, November 6, 1993 and Sunday, November 21, 1993 to discuss the merger of the three lodges. Only selected youth from the three previous lodges, and their lodge adviser, were allowed to attend.

According to the delegates, all of the issues and concerns were dealt with quickly and it was a relatively painless process. It was decided that the merger would occur during the weekend of the Section W1-B Conclave held April 22-24, 1994 at Camp Fire Mountain. The merger occurred at midnight on April 23.

Awards & Recognition

Troy Young's suggestion of "Nisqually" for the lodge name was selected over the original proposed name of  "Kalai Kallakala," which translates as "black raven." The raven was kept as the lodge totem and Young was elected as the first Lodge Chief.

The highest award given by the lodge is called the Nagatamen Award and this award was originally presented to six members at the 1^st Lodge Banquet held January 6, 1996 at the Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma. The included youths Matt Carlson, Troy Young, Brian Stock and advisers Mike Bowen, David Carr and Jeff Parsons.

The highest award in the Order of the Arrow is called the Founder’s Award. The first recipients of this prestigious award from Nisqually Lodge were Greg Holtcamp and Troy Young.

Major Events & Milestones

2010:Construction begins on "Alex's" place at Camp Hahobas honoring former Lodge Chief, Alex Minneman. Lodge website, Facebook page and "golden" lodge flap with Council number 612 briefly appeared this year, but never was officially approved by the LEC, so it was noted in October 2010 that we were still lodge 155.

2006: Our Districts recently merged and our three new chapters are Chehalis, Sauk-Siuattle and Wapiti.

On Saturday evening, March 4, 2006, Nisqually Lodge Members gathered at Camp Kilworth in Federal Way to give it a fond farewell for the number of years it's given back to Scouting. Click Here for Pictures of the Event.

2002 Pole Buildings at Camp Delezene, Hahobas and Thunderbird

2001 Camp Hahobas Dock Stage Project

The Lodge sent a contingent led by Nick Ankenman to the 2000 Section W1-B Conclave held in Anchorage Alaska.

On August 20, 1999, the very first Nisqually Lodge web page debuted at "goto/nisqually" and was created by Kevin Stock. Today we have a very modern website created by Paul Sayre that is at http://www.nisqually155.org/

1999 Camp Thunderbird Stage Project

Another lodge banquet was held in late 1998 at Camp Thunderbird as part of the Halloween Winter Fellowship. Mat Milleson, National Order of the Arrow Chief, and Brandon Fessler, Western Region Chief of the Order of the Arrow, were in attendance.

Ben Charles "Spirit Guide" and Elder of the Nisqually Tribe spoke at the 1997 Lodge Banquet. The 1998 banquet was especially memorable as the Chetapook Chaper presented a tribute to Jim Morefield who was in very grave health. They gave him a button blanket with a bear, orca and raven on it.