Tahoe City in Placer County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Sacred Lake
Each spring family groups gathered at Da-ow-‘ah-ga or Lake Tahoe’s shore and offered blessings. Countless generations of children were taught by each family’s leader that their responsibilities included attitudes of respect, rededication, and thanksgiving.
Blessings given at Outlet Point reinforced the Truckee River’s role in providing life downstream. Each blessing was spontaneous and acknowledged the life renewing quality of the streams entering the lake and the lake itself.
-by JoAnne Martinez, August 13, 2002
“Heavenly Father [Washoe word], hear my prayer this morning.
As we do and have done in the past, bless this water and this beautiful place where our people came to bless the lake. Continue to bless the streams that come into the lake.
We know the work they do – not just at the lake, but for all people who travel to see the lake.
We ask for the blessings of this lake to continue. May you never dry up or cease to flow or cause suffering downstream to the plants and animals and the fish. All things we look to for survival and well being are fed by this water.
Our strength flows from the mountains like the life-giving water that feeds the lake and past discouragement and disappointments disappear. Thank you for the blessings of the past and for their continuance.
We ask that visitors will continue to meditate in this beautiful site and that they will hear the river’s song renewing their spirit as it flows to renew life below.
Hear my prayer this day, Father [Washoe word].”
Erected by North Lake Tahoe Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 2002.
Location. 39° 9.99′ N, 120° 8.636′ W. Marker is in Tahoe City, California, in Placer County. Marker can be reached from West Lake Boulevard (State Highway 89) near State Highway 26. Marker is located at the Lake Tahoe Outlet Gates near the Gatekeeper's Cabin Museum at William B. Layton Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City CA 96145, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Safe Harbor (here, next to this marker); The Gatekeeper’s Cabin and Museum (a few steps from this marker); The Plentiful Lake (a few steps from this marker); A Tradition of Basketmaking (a few steps from this marker); Lake Tahoe (a few steps from this marker); William B. Layton Park (a few steps from this marker); Lake Tahoe Outlet Works and Gatekeepers Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Conflict Over Water (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tahoe City.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 996 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 7, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.