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The History of Whidbey Institute
at Chinook
The story of Whidbey Institute began in 1966
when founders Fritz and
Vivienne Hull purchased a late nineteenth
century Finnish farm on south Whidbey Island.
In 1972, the homestead and surrounding land became
Chinook Learning Community.
Over the next 24 years, it operated as a retreat
and workshop center where countless lives were
transformed.
As times changed, a group of early Chinook founders,
together with new collaborators, gathered in 1993
on the Scottish island of Iona to envision a new
organization, Whidbey
Institute. Its goal was to cultivate
creative forms of leadership and community on
behalf of Earth, Spirit and the Human Future.
In 1995, Chinook
Learning Community was assimilated into the Institute
and in 1997
Whidbey Institute received its 501(c)(3) status
as a non profit educational
organization. While the emphasis was
new, the essential spirit and core commitments
of Whidbey Institute were direct outgrowths of
the long and significant history of Chinook. The
Institute remains a special place in an extraordinary
bioregion committed to leading edge programs.
While engaged with the most serious issues of
the times, it also seeks to encourage a spirit
of joy and creativity as we build a culture of
peace with the natural, local, and world communities.
Today, the
land itself is still called Chinook
and the 70 acres of forest and meadow lands are
protected by a conservation
easement. Whidbey Institute has grown
from inspiring idea to a fully operational Institute
with professional staff, year round programs,
new and upgraded facilities and national outreach.
The vision, commitment,
hard work, and financial generosity of many people
have made it possible and have given Whidbey Institute
a strong base of experience, a wide circle of
friends, and wisdom born of honest endeavor over
time.
We invite you to become
part of the history. Whidbey Institute
supports events and projects, collaborating with
a wide range of organizations, universities, colleges,
and individuals. Between programs, our facilities
are available to like minded organizations for
conferences, workshop retreats, meetings, and
celebrations.
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