Tribal Canoe Journeys
Paddle to Squaxin - Tribal Canoe Journey 2012
For Northwest Coastal Indian people waters were freeways for trade and cultural exchange, and the canoe was the primary mode of transportation. The canoe, with the cultural significance it carries, had almost disappeared after colonization. In 1989, an 89 year old elder from Quinault named Emmett Oliver recognized that his community and the Earth needed healing. He and others organized the Paddle to Seattle in conjunction with the Washington State centennial. A canoe from Hoh River and two from La Push paddled to Golden Gardens outside of Seattle, where they were joined by Suquamish, Tulalip, Lummi and Heiltsuk canoes.
During this gathering they invited all the other canoe nations to gather in Bella Bella in four years. This became the birth of the Qatuwas (people gathering together in one place) Festival. Since then the Journey has been hosted by a different tribe each summer, and the number of people involved is now several thousand strong.
The Canoe Journey embodies all aspects of cultural revitalization. Pullers train, learn safety and build endurance. People weave traditional cedar hats and prepare other regalia. Traditional foods and herbs are used during the journey. Participants speak native languages and sing their songs.
The journey is a unifying force for tribal culture. During their journey the canoes camp at sites that were a part of their heritage. They are embraced into these landing points on their journey in honor of their tradition and welcomed with foods and friendship.*
This was the second year that tribes were welcomed at Cama Beach State Park which resides on the land of their traditional summer gathering spots. From Cama they will continue south to meet with others for their celebration at Paddle to Squaxin 2012.
On July 20, 2012, Washington State Parks and its partners, Cama Beach Foundation and Center for Wooden Boats, were honored to greet the participating tribes that came to Cama Beach State Park. We hope you enjoy the following photos from the day. Enjoy.
For Northwest Coastal Indian people waters were freeways for trade and cultural exchange, and the canoe was the primary mode of transportation. The canoe, with the cultural significance it carries, had almost disappeared after colonization. In 1989, an 89 year old elder from Quinault named Emmett Oliver recognized that his community and the Earth needed healing. He and others organized the Paddle to Seattle in conjunction with the Washington State centennial. A canoe from Hoh River and two from La Push paddled to Golden Gardens outside of Seattle, where they were joined by Suquamish, Tulalip, Lummi and Heiltsuk canoes.
During this gathering they invited all the other canoe nations to gather in Bella Bella in four years. This became the birth of the Qatuwas (people gathering together in one place) Festival. Since then the Journey has been hosted by a different tribe each summer, and the number of people involved is now several thousand strong.
The Canoe Journey embodies all aspects of cultural revitalization. Pullers train, learn safety and build endurance. People weave traditional cedar hats and prepare other regalia. Traditional foods and herbs are used during the journey. Participants speak native languages and sing their songs.
The journey is a unifying force for tribal culture. During their journey the canoes camp at sites that were a part of their heritage. They are embraced into these landing points on their journey in honor of their tradition and welcomed with foods and friendship.*
This was the second year that tribes were welcomed at Cama Beach State Park which resides on the land of their traditional summer gathering spots. From Cama they will continue south to meet with others for their celebration at Paddle to Squaxin 2012.
On July 20, 2012, Washington State Parks and its partners, Cama Beach Foundation and Center for Wooden Boats, were honored to greet the participating tribes that came to Cama Beach State Park. We hope you enjoy the following photos from the day. Enjoy.
* Information taken from ‘Feeding the People – Feeding the Spirit’ by Elise Krohn & Valerie Segrest, 2010. The Northwest Indian College, printed by Gorham Printing, Centralia WA
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Paddle to Swinomish - Tribal Canoe Journey 2011
Sunday, July 24 at Cama Beach State Park became an afternoon of welcoming many canoes of many tribes to its shoreline for rest and refreshment. These were participants of the Tribal Canoe Journey who were headed to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for the start of their gathering on July 25th. The many tribes from the Northwest and also from other areas of the west coast were gathering at the home location of the Swinomish across the Swinomish Channel from La Conner where they celebrated their community traditions.
This website gives you the schedule of events and more about their journey.
A little background on the Tribal Canoe Journey can be found here.
The State Park employees along with the Center for Wooden Boats personnel at Cama Beach State Park hosted this welcoming for the travelers, providing initial snacks and drink for the participants upon arrival. Following were a few pictures of the events of the afternoon. Enjoy.
Sunday, July 24 at Cama Beach State Park became an afternoon of welcoming many canoes of many tribes to its shoreline for rest and refreshment. These were participants of the Tribal Canoe Journey who were headed to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for the start of their gathering on July 25th. The many tribes from the Northwest and also from other areas of the west coast were gathering at the home location of the Swinomish across the Swinomish Channel from La Conner where they celebrated their community traditions.
This website gives you the schedule of events and more about their journey.
A little background on the Tribal Canoe Journey can be found here.
The State Park employees along with the Center for Wooden Boats personnel at Cama Beach State Park hosted this welcoming for the travelers, providing initial snacks and drink for the participants upon arrival. Following were a few pictures of the events of the afternoon. Enjoy.
Updated Apr 21, 2015
