After some delay, the Totem Pole Journey to Protect Oak Flat is coming to Whidbey Island at last.

The House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation are bringing their totem pole for a blessing in Coupeville at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday, March 11. The group will convene outside of Callen’s Restaurant near the Coupeville ferry terminal.

The journey is being made in support of Oak Flat, a sacred site for the Apache people and many other Native Americans. Oak Flat, or Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, as it is known to the Apache people, is located southeast of Phoenix, Arizona.

In 2014, a bill passed by the Arizona State Legislature allowed mining company Resolution Copper access to this area, located in Tonto National Forest, to build the nation’s largest copper mine. The Apache are fighting to repeal the exchange of land. During the week of March 20, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, California will hear arguments on the case.

Freddie Lane, the road manager for the carvers, said enough funding was obtained to finally get on the road with the totem pole. The original route will be improvised, in order to make it to the hearing on time.

Last week, an Eagle Staff Prayer Ceremony was held in both Coupeville and Langley. About 50 people were in attendance at both events.