A crowd of people in yellow shirts with black, red and white peace signs marched straight through Portland Avenue, and the pouring rain, in protest of violence and in support of peace Nov. 17.

More than 50 people gathered at the Puyallup Tribe’s administration building and more joined in along the way.

In the end, despite the unfavorable weather, 65 people tread through the street hoping to raise awareness of the fact that “violence is not tradition.”

“I was just walking downstream as it was coming down Portland Avenue,” said Billie Barnes, domestic violence advocate. “The response this time was that even though it’s raining, we’re still there.”

Tribal elder Betty James made the point that there is violence in people’s lives and it does not matter if it is raining.

This was the second peace march of the year for the tribe. The first one was Oct. 27, which was in response to a shooting on the reservation the year before.

Jody Brooks, director of community and family services for the tribe, said there was such a good response from the march last month, they wanted to do another one right away.

Although there was an increase of participation from the last walk, which had about 50 people including representatives from Helping Hands, Kwawachee Counseling Center and Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT), Brooks said she thought the rain may have deterred some people who had planned to march for peace.

There were also several representatives from the Puyallup Tribal Police Department and Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department, as well as dozens of community members.

Even though it was too wet to bring a drum along, tribal drummer Tekamthi Saluskin used the peace march sign and stick to create the traditional beats that accompany most tribal events.

 “It’s about perseverance,” Brooks said in regard to creating peace as well as getting more participation and awareness through the walks.

There will be another march in December to perpetuate the message against all types of violence from gangs to domestic abuse.

“I think it’s (peace march) a venue for people to express themselves, and it’s important that we express ourselves about what happens in our community,” said Barnes.