One hundred years ago, a president sat down in the oval office and put his pen to paper. It’s ironic that this act, which inside an office was to be one of the most powerful moments to protect outdoor recreation.

On Aug. 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service and thus set in motion the protection of 35national parks and monuments.

On Thursday, Aug. 25, islanders were able to celebrate the anniversary of this momentous occasion at a ceremony at English Camp. The day gave locals and visitors a chance to not only honor the beauty of our island park, but to honor Lummi and Saanich Nations, who dedicated a Reef Net Captain Totem Pole and two Salmon Story Boards to commemorate the centennial.

A public ceremony was held in the spiritual site of their ancestors’ village at Pe’pi’ow’elh (English Camp). According to the NPS website thedays was mean to foster “greater mutual understanding and respect between all cultures through a shared love of this beautiful place.”

Following the dedication, visitors enjoyed local food, artwork, and information about the San Juan Islands.

The San Juan Island National Historical Park, including American Camp and English Camp, was created in 1966.

The San Juan National park is one of 400 areas that cover more than 84 million acres in 50 states, the District of Columbia, AmericanSamoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands.