As someone who is deeply moved by the history and beauty of our community, it's important for me to share a story with you. In 1848, a group of Catholic missionaries from the Oblates of Mary Immaculate came to the South Puget Sound area, naming their new mission St. Joseph's of New Market. Father Pascal Ricard, supported by three other French Canadian priests, constructed two or three structures including a classroom and chapel, an orchard, and a garden. This mission acted as a school for the local Indian boys from the Squaxin tribe. The Nisqually, Puyallup, and Snoqualmie tribes utilized the mission as a trading post. 

The mission closed in 1860, and after the plans to turn the site into a beautiful housing development fell through, it became Priest Point Park in 1905. It was decorated with a chalet, rose gardens, and miles of nature trails. Thousands of picnics, wedding, and summer banquets took place at Priest Point Park. It has been home to over 75 community-wide Easter egg hunts.

In 2022, it was renamed Squaxin Park, which strays far from honoring its rich historical roots. Catholic missionaries not only helped local people, they led the way for Sisters of Providence to further settle the area and provide hospitals and asylums to the region. While Squaxin Indians were in the area, their only historical record says they have been around "since time immemorial..."  No Squaxin hospitals, missions, schools, or trading posts were ever there.

To restore its original name, Priest Point Park, means to honor the community's history, education, and cultural exchanges between the settlers, the local Indian tribes, and the pioneers of the area. Let us embrace the historical significance of our beloved park and call for its original name to be reinstated. By returning its name back to Priest Point Park, we not only honor local history but respect the cultural significance that it held for Olympia’s early settlers and the people of St. Joseph's of New Market.

Nations rise and fall, ours may too someday. Land is transferred, renamed, and populated. Right now, though, America is becoming great again. She is shedding the imposed shame for her success, expansion, and integration of other cultures. We are returning Mt. McKinley’s name, proudly declaring the Gulf of America, and brining order and opportunity to the millions who want to flock here at all costs.

We will soon be celebrating the 250th birthday of The Great Experiment that is our nation. These are all examples of the Zeitgeist that is now, shamelessly proclaiming how America’s growth and success have brought prosperity, peace, and health to our world, more than any civilization in history.

It is time we brought back the name Priest Point Park. Join me in signing this petition, and let's reclaim the historical identity of our community space.