Tool find recalls ancient tribe

The picture of the approximately 9,000-year-old stone tools in your Jan. 5 article may have reminded some of Fred and Wilma Flintstone and Dino poking his head through the car top to watch the movie at the local drive-in theater.

It reminded me of the rich cultural history of the Sinaikst (Arrow Lakes Band of Indians) who would have made those tools. However, they were not identified in the article. The Sinaikst people existed not in a primitive state but were on the cutting edge of providing for their families and tribal band in the Republic area, where the tools were found.

The Sinaikst people met their needs by taking advantage of local resources on their daily path of survival. They saw the ancient moon and stars much like we experience them today and elders used the best methods available to them to educate their children, grandchildren and generations to come. They were not separate from nature but great stewards of what was available.

We appreciate the efforts of Steve Kramer, the Colville National Forest’s archaeologist, and his efforts to humanize Sinaikst/Stone Age history in our area, by encouraging the help of local volunteers.

James Gordon Perkins

Colville