OLYMPIA, Wash. -- For an estimated 60 years the Western Red Cedar grew up in the middle of the state capitol campus.
Friday it was cut down.
State officials decided damage from storms a decade ago and last fall made the 60-foot tall tree too much of a risk to leave standing. But the state hopes the memory of the tree stays alive.
"It will live on through us, all of our people," said Niqually Tribe elder Joseph Kalama.
Kalama and Charlene Krise from the Squaxin Island Tribe said their tribal members will repurpose pieces of the tree.
"Cedar has always been a sacred plant," said Krise. "We try to utilize everything about the cedar tree."
The state is giving the tribes the branches, bows and trunk.
Krise said the wood will be used to make everything from clothing to art work.
One of the pieces will eventually be on display at the capitol.
