top of page
Search

The 16th Annual Peace Hike: A Commemoration of Resilience and Remembrance

Yachats Commons – 441 Highway 101 N, Yachats, Oregon

New Year’s Day 2026, Yachats, Oregon, will host the 16th Annual Peace Hike, a meaningful event that honors the legacy of the indigenous peoples who endured immense suffering under government-sponsored genocidal policies during the 19th century.


ree

The Peace Hike commemorates the tragic history of the Alsea Subagency (1860–1875), highlighting the story of Amanda, a blind Native American (Coos) woman who was forcibly separated from her daughter and marched barefoot with other captives over 80 miles of rugged terrain to the Alsea Subagency prison camp in Yachats in 1864. This annual gathering serves as a solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives and a celebration of the resilience of their descendants, many of whom participate in the event each year.

A Time for Reflection and Education: The Peace Hike invites participants to reflect on the atrocities faced by the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Alsea Peoples and to deepen their understanding of this painful history. To support learning and reflection, participants are encouraged to:

Schedule of Events January 1, 2026

The day will be filled with ceremonies, reflections, and guided trail walks designed to honor the past and bring community together:

8:30 – 9 AM – Doors Open at the Commons– Welcome - Yellow Bear (Yachats /community Drum) story.

9:00 AM – Mayor’s welcome Greeting -Origin of Hike – Physical Safety  - Emotional Support Instructions.

9:30 AM – Opening Prayer – Story Telling -Amanda Story.

10:30 AM – Ceremonial cedar distributed - a fire will be lit at the Commons Park - the longer 2.2-mile Amanda Trail hike commences.

10:45 AM – Shorter trail walk commences, followed by the offering of cedar to the fire.

12:00 PM – Fire closing at the Commons Park.

12:00 PM – Amanda Gathering Area ceremony begins with a second fire, and cedar offering, prayers, songs, and stories from Tribal members.

Water, energy bars, and cookies generously prepared by the Yachats Ladies Club will be available at both the Commons and the Amanda Gathering Area.

ree

DURING THE ENTIRE CEREMONIES, PLEASE ADHERE TO NO PHOTOS, AUDIO NOR VIDEO.

All participants will receive a beautifully crafted Peace Hike button designed by Terri Theisen, Hanis Coos, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.


Join the Community in Honoring the Past: The Peace Hike is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a call to remember and learn from the past.

Everyone is welcome to join this meaningful event in Yachats, a community dedicated to honoring its history while fostering healing and unity for the future.


For more information, please contact: : joannekittel@viewthefuture.org or yachatstrails@gmail.com  

Acknowledging Our Partners and Sponsors

ree

 
 
 
bottom of page