Family to open time capsule

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In honoring the past and imagining the future the Retasket family is planning for a family reunion that will include digging up the family time capsule.

Wendy Retasket is planning for the huge event on July 28 to 30 as she is expecting over 300 people to attend. She is looking forward to finding out where she fits in the family.

"We'll be trying to sort out our family tree," said Retasket. "We're expecting family from Alberta, BC, Arizona, California, Missouri, and Washington."

Her idea for the event began in 1990 after the first family reunion. She went to the nearby town of Lillooet and discovered in the town archives that the Retasket family was much larger than she thought.

"We found out our family history dated back to 1852," said Retasket. "We looked for our relatives and met people we never even knew we were related to and we are a large family to begin with."

The three day reunion will be full of family events. Sweatlodge ceremonies, drumming, singing and dancing will be held throughout the weekend along with special presentations including a naming ceremony.

"The boys are older and didn't realize they were given spiritual names by an Elder when they were born. The Elder passed away and they use these names for everyday," said Retasket. "We don't know what they mean exactly. So their names will be explained and they will receive those names properly and a feast and give away will be done."

Presentations to the two eldest family members and the two youngest family members will be done to enforce the family circle during the celebration.

"We'll honor them with gifts and honor songs," said Retasket.

The highlight of the three days will be the opening of the time capsule buried in 1990 and the burying of a new one.

"It is going to be quite the reunion and sometimes I have panic points, the whole family is contributing," said Retasket. "I'm setting up for security, camping, and I'm currently fund raising for porta potties and I'll have to get a fire permit for cooking and ceremonial purposes like the sweatlodge."

For more information on the Retasket family reunion check out the website at http://sites.netscape.net/sacredmtnquilts/retasket/restasket.htm