Clatsop-Nehalem mural dedicated

The faces tell the story

Seaside mural depicts the life of the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated TribeThe nine faces in the 65-foot-long mural on Broadway tell a story dating two centuries ago, when the Clatsop and Nehalem peoples lived on the land that is now Seaside.

They may not be beautiful faces, but they are striking. The lines around their mouths indicate a hard life. Although they don't smile, they appear to be at peace. But, for Diane Collier, chairwoman of the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribes, their eyes say everything.

"They're all our relatives," she said. "What impresses me are their eyes; it's like you can read their minds. We are seeing our ancestors on that wall, and they'll be remembered."

Nearly 150 people--some, like Collier, whose great-great grandparents and other relatives are pictured on the mural--gathered to honor those who walked before them during a dedication ceremony Sept. 6.