Stehekin is the name of a community, a river, and a valley at the north end of Lake Chelan, accessible primarily by ferry. The name comes from the Salish language family and means “the way through” or “passage”. The valley was used as a way through the Cascades to the Chelan region routing important trade and culture exchange. Just as other parts of the state have been staging points for adventure beyond, from gold rush to tech start up, it has also been a place of arrival for many on their way to seek their fortune or place of bounty.

The name is powerful reminder of the entire region’s history and shines a light on values and commitments held. It also serves to emphasize the importance of water routes to the region. The easiest way in and out of Stehekin is via ferry, just as the ferry system across the Puget Sound aids movement from the many islands to the peninsulas to the communities all along the shores.

This name conforms to previous naming conventions of the ferry system by acknowledging the existence and persistence of the indigenous peoples of the area. Rather than naming the vessel for a group of people I propose a name from the languages of the peoples. This name suggests a journey from one place to another and because we live in a world of constant change, and especially trying times, the name has an auspicious nature. It helps us to understand we will make it through difficult times just as we will enjoy our times of more plenty.

Naming the new ferry vessel Stehekin accounts for all the guidelines setThe Washington State Ferry system connects the various communities of the Salish Sea. Naming the new ferry for this wondrous place both honors the town and gestures towards greater solidarity in the region.