La Push, Mixed Views on Twilight Tourism

Posted on 07. Jul, 2009 by in News

The New York Post has an interesting article about the Twilight tourism phenomenon and how the Quileute tribe is – or is not – reacting to it.

There are mixed feelings,” says tribal council member Anna Rose Counsell. Over the last three months, the tribe has struggled over what to do. “This is a phenomenon that is happening whether we like it or not.”

Tribal leaders hired a p.r. pro, Jackie Jacobs, in February after being inundated with “Twilight” inquiries. The tribe opened its Wednesday night drum circle to all visitors, which recently included two families of “Twilight” fans.

The article talks about the increases in sales at Forks businesses and the surprising lack of increase in Quileute artwork and handmade items being sold.  Especially with the new desire to “experience of being with the Quileute” and an increased interest in the tribe and surrounding area of La Push due to the Twilight saga. The article ends on a positive note, discussing the possibilities for the future.

“This is our opportunity to educate people on Quileute history,” Counsell says.

At the Wednesday drum circle, artist and grandmother Ann Penn-Charles works up a sweat in the kitchen while a group of men sing traditional songs. More than 75 people have come on this night for the tribe’s free dinner and music.

The tribe is now talking about working with tour operator Dazzled by Twilight. Its evolution as a business likely will only grow as the rest of the books are made into movies. In later books, the Quileutes’ role becomes nearly as prominent as the Cullens’.

And this is totally off topic, but did anyone else notice that the publicist’s last name is Jacobs? ;)

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One Response to “La Push, Mixed Views on Twilight Tourism”

  1. Gayle

    07. Jul, 2009

    I never heard of the Quileute tribe until Twilight and having this publicity for the tribe is good. I was in Forks/LaPush back in May and LaPush is a very small, poor reservation. I think the influx of tourists would be beneficial to the tribe. If they do this correctly and have a good PR agent and work with Dazzled by Twilght then they can have financial success and a way to enlighten people about their way of life and in general Native American way of life.