The New Old Time Chautauqua’s May 14-19 return to Port Townsend, during this year’s Rhododendron Festival week, stands out as particularly notable this time, according to Chautauqua co-founder Paul Magid.

While the New Old Time Chautauqua has always sought “to expand traditions and renew connections, across generational and cultural divides,” its partnership with The Production Alliance this year has helped organize “creative chaos into a crystallized symphony of collaboration,” according to TPA co-founder Danny Milholland.

As importantly, Magid believes this Chautauqua “will be a historic confluence of stories that are alive and carry the spirit of the land and sea of the people of the Olympic Peninsula,” with its Sunday, May 19, presentation of “Indigenous Stories and Culture from the Olympic Peninsula, from Far to Near,” at the Pope Marine building in downtown Port Townsend from 1-4 p.m.

“Three different languages and cultures will be present during the storytellers' workshops, representing all the indigenous languages spoken on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Magid, who noted that the Hoh language is Quileute, while the Makah speak Makah, and the Quinault and Lower Elwha both speak Salish.

The four Indigenous storytellers, who likewise hail from throughout the Peninsula, are able to take part in the 2024 Port Townsend Chautauqua thanks to a grant by the Port Townsend Arts Commission, in collaboration with The Production Alliance, the Rhody Fest Association, and the Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s Native Connections Group.

Hoh Tribal Elder Vivian Lee will tell tales of her Quilete-speaking tribe, just as the Makah Tribe’s Maria Pascua will share her insights as a Makah language instructor, as well as an experienced basket-weaver, traditional storyteller, singer and dancer.

The Quinault Indian Nation’s Harvest Moon is a master basket-weaver and storyteller, who combines her skills and talents to create educational lectures for people of all ages, offering insights into the Coastal Salish Natives, while Mark Charles — a drummer, dancer, cultural-bearer and storyteller of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe — will be telling stories of the Elwha River.

“The land and sea speak through these ancient tales, handed down since time immemorial,” Magid said.

According to Magid, a century ago, the arrival of Chautauqua marked the beginning of a week-long gathering, as communities throughout the Olympic Peninsula traveled to “The City of Dreams” to participate in civic action and enjoy artistic performances.

“Our goal is to engender community,” Magid said. “We come together to bridge past and present, to connect across generations, and to invite all into the conversation of how we identify as a community, now and in the future.”

Magid explained that the Chautauqua chose to be part of the Rhody Fest week because it offers “a unique opportunity to come together, celebrate, learn and connect with the diverse members of the Jefferson County community.”

Likewise, Chautauqua organizer Morningstar Garden, an Indigenous resident of Port Townsend, asserted that “what’s important is having Indian people gathering in our village. We don't have that, and it's special. It's an opportunity to occupy our lands, to welcome our neighbors.“

The New Old Time Chautauqua encourages donations, since all of this year’s proceeds will support the Chautauqua’s summer tour to Forks, the Hoh Tribe and Port Angeles June 22 to July 6, as well as its year-round activities.

“Beyond their role as performers, Chautauquans serve as community ambassadors,” said Ben Thomas, a longtime Chautauquan and current Port Townsend City Council member. “For over 40 years, the New Old Time Chautauqua has led with this spirit, traveling to other rural communities and tribal nations, and returning to the Quimper Peninsula with knowledge, gained from time abroad, to share.”

To learn more, purchase tickets or get involved, visit ptchautauqua.org.