LAPUSH — Gil Birmingham, who plays the fictional Quileute tribal chief Billy Black in the “Twilight” saga, will visit LaPush for Quileute Days and meet the real-life tribal council.
Quileute Days will celebrate tribal culture from Friday through Sunday, featuring a salmon bake, traditional dancing, a fireworks display, stick games, poker and bingo, as well as events based on the four-novel series about vampires and teen love.
Birmingham plays a pivotal role as the “keeper of the legends” of the tribe in the three movies based on the novels, which are set in Forks, LaPush and Port Angeles.
In the third movie, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” which was released June 30, Birmingham portrays Black telling author Stephenie Meyer’s version of the Quileute creation legend.
Meyer altered the legends to make way for modern day werewolves who, in her stories, develop to protect the tribe and other humans from vampires.
Although Quileute legend does include the tribe being descended from wolves, werewolves were never a part of the true legends.
In the books
In the Twilight books, Black is the father of Jacob, one of the werewolves — and also a suitor of main character Bella Swan.
Bella’s other suitor is vampire Edward Cullen.
Birmingham has starred in more than 40 films over the course of his career and also has a career as a singer.
“We are delighted to welcome Gil to La Push and Quileute Days,” tribal spokeswoman Jackie Jacobs said.
“It is an honor to have him join us in this very special celebration of Quileute culture and traditions.”
On Saturday, Birmingham will join in the festival parade at noon, hold a 3 p.m. autograph session — a $20 contribution is required — and will make a 4 p.m. guest appearance at the Talent Showcase.
In addition to the Quileute Days events, Birmingham also will meet with the real tribal council, including tribal Chairwoman Anna Rose Counsell-Geyer.
“How wonderful to have Gil Birmingham who portrays Council Chairman Billy Black in the ‘Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ meet the true Chairwoman Anna Rose Counsell-Geyer and the other members of the Quileute tribal council –wow,” Jacobs said.
Educational
The theme of Quileute Days this year is “History through Our Traditions.” Organizers hope to educate those in attendance about authentic Quileute history, legends and culture.
Dave Jackson, a local Quileute carver and painter, designed the official symbol of the festival, which is free and open to the public.
Stick games — a traditional betting game — will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Look-alike contest
A Jacob Black and Bella Swan look-alike contest will cater to the fans of the “Twilight” books and movies.
Salmon bakes are planned at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Birmingham also has performed in “End of the Spear,” “Dreamkeeper,” “Skins,” “Gentle Ben,” “The Doe Boy,” “Love’s Long Journey,” “Nip/Tuck,” “10 Items or Less,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Veronica Mars” and “Body & Soul.”
He is a member of the Comanche tribe.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
