Tribal Canoe Journeys
Tribal Canoe Journeys is a celebrated event for the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Nations from the coast of Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington state participate every year in these Tribal Canoe Journeys. These are a sequence of canoe journeys taken up by canoe families, nations, and groups who travel in ocean-going canoes, either authentic replicas of traditional canoes, made out of solid cedar logs or various replicas using more modern techniques and materials.[1]
History
The Tribal Canoe Journey is a revival of the traditional method of transportation and is a significant cultural experience for all the participants. The canoe culture had all but disappeared until 1989 when the "Paddle to Seattle" was initiated during the 100th anniversary of Washington Statehood. That year, the state and local tribal governments signed the Centennial Accord recognizing tribal sovereignty.[2] In celebration, coastal tribes organized the Paddle to Seattle to help revive their canoe culture. Fifteen tribes participated the first year. The journey started in La Push, home of the Quileute tribe, and included stops at traditional village sites along the way. Each year, a different nation hosts other Indigenous nations coming from coastal communities of Alaska, British Columbia and Washington. Depending on distance, the trip can take up to a month. Participants learn traditional canoe carving and decorating, and learn to work together as a "canoe family". All Tribal Journeys activities are family-friendly, drug- and alcohol-free.[1] On arrival, the host tribe holds a Welcoming ceremony, with the canoe families asking permission to land. Cultural festivities, such as drumming and dancing, last for days. In 2009, the Suquamish tribe hosted the 20th anniversary in their new House of Awakened Culture with over 6,000 participants and 84 canoes coming ashore.
The 2011 Tribal Journeys event was hosted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community the Swinomish Territory near Anacortes,WA. http://www.swinomish-nsn.gov/Resources/Canoe-Journey-2011.aspx
List of journeys by year
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- 1989: Paddle to Seattle, WA
- 1993: Paddle to Bella Bella, BC
- 1994: Youth Paddle (Olympia, WA, with the 2nd Cedar Tree Conference)
- 1995: Full Circle Youth Paddle, in Puget Sound, Washington
- 1996: Full Circle Youth Paddle, in Puget Sound, Washington
- 1997: Paddle to LaPush, WA
- 1998: Paddle to Puyallup, WA
- 1999: Paddle to Ahousaht, BC
- 2000: Paddle to Songees, BC
- 2000: Paddle to Pendleton, OR
- 2001: Paddle to Squamish, BC
- 2002: Paddle to Quinault at Taholah, WA
- 2003: Paddle to Tulalip, WA
- 2004: Paddle to Chemainus, BC
- 2005: Paddle to Elwha at Port Angeles, WA
- 2006: Paddle to Muckleshoot at Auburn, WA
- 2007: Paddle to Lummi, WA
- 2008: Paddle to Cowichan at Cowichan Bay, BC
- 2009: Paddle to Suquamish, WA
- 2010: Paddle to Makah, Neah Bay, WA
- 2011: Paddle to Swinomish at La Conner, WA
- 2012: Paddle to Squaxin Island at Kamilche, WA
- 2013: Paddle to Quinault at Taholah, WA
- 2014: Paddle to Bella Bella, Qatuwas Festival, at Campbell Island, BC — 2014[3]
- 2015: Various locations in the Salish Sea, BC and WA[4]
Future Journeys
- Paddle to Nisqually, WA ~ 2016
