NEW YORK POST: ‘TWILIGHT’ FANS TURN A QUIET INDIAN RESERVATION INTO AN UNWITTING TOURIST MECCA
The New York Post has an interesting article looking at the effects Twilight is having on La Push and the Quileute Nation.
It’s what you would expect from ground zero for the global phenomenon/vampire love story. As publicity ramps up for “New Moon,” due out in November, locals in Forks, Wash., also known as Bella’s hometown, are girding for visitors.But drive seven miles west to La Push, and the roar of the marketing machine turns to a dignified whisper. The home of the tiny Quileute Nation (pronounced QUILL-ee-oot) sits on a square mile of land on the Pacific Ocean, boasting an unspoiled view of the sometimes stormy, often misty beaches.
The setting for much of “New Moon” and subsequent books, real-life La Push is a stripped down, back-to-nature experience. Giant, weathered logs litter the beaches. The tribe-owned resort offers rooms from $45 to $300, with no TVs, no phones and spotty WiFi. The sound of the surf is a constant companion, and it’s easy to imagine Bella finding peace and refuge here with her werewolf friends.
“Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer chose Forks after Googling for the rainiest place in America and was pleased to find the Quileute nearby.
Locals marvel at how much she got right, but the economically depressed reservation is ambivalent about “Twilight” and how its 350 residents should capitalize on it. Compared to Forks, where visitors can pose with Bella’s truck and participate in a “Twilight” look-alike contest, the reservation is cloaked in centuries-old anonymity.
“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.
Read the entire article, here
We hear so much about how Forks handle all the tourism, it’s nice to hear more from La Push. I think it’s cool if it boosts their economy and teaches people about the real Quileutes.
What did you think of this article? Have you been to La Push? Are you going to try and see it?
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I think that the Quileutes SHOULD try to profit from the “free” publicity they are getting, but I understand why they are hestitant. After all, they let us “white people” in once before, and look what happened then (trail of tears, anyone) and if they become DEPENDENT on the income from “Twilight,” what happens when it’s over. Sure, they have a rich history, but once you pour money at something, it changes things.
I understand why they are reluctant. I really do. Look at what has happened to the Cherokee, since they are able to “profit” from the casinos!! More and more people are trying to “prove” thier heritage, to the point of forgery.
I dunno, is it worth it?
I am one of those HAPPY tourists!! We drove 13 hours from northern california just to visit FORKS and LA PUSH!!! And both places were FANTASTIC! Just as beautiful as you imagine!!! We went for the DVD release of Twilight and had the pleasure of watching the Quileute Tribe put on a show in the town of Forks, it was amazing!! We are making it a yearly visit now!! La Push has a really yummy hamburger joint to eat at!!
Growing up in WA, you get a good look at the local reservations. The people are generally quite poor (although very nice people). One income from a mill will support more people than you’d think possible.
I think they should take part in the Twilight craze. They need the economy desperately and it’s another way to keep their heritage alive. What better way to teach people about their history and culture?
Lapush-First Beach is a great surf destination. I love the unspoiled aspect and the fact that there are not a lot of people mulling around. I hope the twilight tourists don’t ruin it for the locals and the return surfers. I love Twilight. big fan. I was happily surprised that Lapush and Forks was the location but don’t ruin our beaches and surf spot with bringing tourists to play!