Native Canoe Journey 2009 - Paddle to Suquamish is approaching. The Suquamish Tribe, near Kingston, Washington will host the end of canoe journey events in their community, Aug. 3 - 8, 2009. This summer's canoe journey will mark the 20th anniversary of the first major canoe journey of the modern times in 1989 - the Paddle to Seattle - when 9 canoes paddled to Seattle for the State's Bi-Centennial Celebration. The canoes were from several Washington State Tribes and one was from Bella Bella, B.C. Canada. More information on 2009 Tribal Journey - CLICK HERE
Watching the canoe landing ceremonies. Photo by Sue Charles/Native Media © 2002 Preserving and celebrating the native indigenous history and culture of the Americas takes various forms of expression. For example... It is a huge misconception to equate all "Indians" or "Native Americans" with Pow Wow's, TeePee's, bows and arrows, full war bonnet feather head dresses, and other Hollywood portrails - some of which may or may not be acurate.  In fact - cultural expression including, art, language, attire, ceremonies, foods, and other traditions will vary depending on the region and the individual tribe and band of native indigenous people. Similar to the individuality of the nations and ethnicities in Europe. Each Tribe is a Nation with their own individualities, languages, and traditions. The Potlatch tradition is the Coastal Native Culture way. Life for the coastal tribes was always connected to the water for food and means of travel. Following this tradition... several annual Native / First Nations events are expressions of the coastal culture, one of the largest being the Native Canoe Journey events, also referred to as "Tribal Journeys". For insights on Canoe events, preparing for and participating in the canoe journeys, you may visit the PADDLE JOURNEY and CANOE-INFO websites. This information is suitable for education, training, and media press release purposes. There are many ways to learn about and participate in these events. These events are primarily for the Native Tribal Communities, but people of all nations view and participate in them. These are "Family-Friendly" events with strictly enforced non-alcohol and non-drug rules of conduct.	Ocean going Native Canoes landed for a stay-over at Port Townsend, Washington. Photo by Native Media © 2002 LIST OF ALL NATIVE CANOE JOURNEYS  Paddle to Seattle, WA ~ 1989 Paddle to Bella Bella, B.C. ~ 1993 Full Circle Youth Paddle (in the Greater Puget Sound of Washington State) ~ 1994, 95 and 96 Paddle to LaPush, WA ~ 1997 Paddle to Puyallup, WA ~ 1998 Paddle to Ahousaht, B.C. ~ 1999 Paddle to Songees, B.C. ~ 2000 Paddle to Pendleton, OR ~ 2000 Paddle to Squamish, B.C. ~ 2001 Paddle to Quinault at Taholah, WA ~ 2002 Paddle to Tulalip, WA ~ 2003 Paddle to Chemainus, B.C. ~ 2004 Paddle to Elwha at Port Angeles, WA ~ 2005 Paddle to Muckleshoot at Auburn, WA ~ 2006 Paddle to Lummi, WA ~ 2007 Paddle to Cowichan, B. C. ~ 2008 Paddle to Suquamish, WA ~ 2009 Paddle to Makah at Neah Bay, WA ~ 2010 Want more information? Click Here.
Phil Charles, Jr. gives entry speech as the Elwha Klallam canoe lands for the Paddle to Elwha 2005. Photo by Native Media. An historic happening, sometimes referred to as the "canoe resurgence" began in 1989 with the Paddle to Seattle with nine native canoes. Four years later, twenty-three Native Nations ocean-going canoes accepted the challenge to paddle to the village of Bella Bella in British Columbia, Canada in 1993. Several thousand people gathered there with an unshakable vision for the future and connection to the past. Thus was born a cultural urgency to continue these PADDLE JOURNEYS drawing upon traditional ways and structured to help build the Native Tribal Communities, giving hope to elders and youth alike. Since that time, there have been many Native Paddle Journeys, increasing in numbers and enthusiasm. More on Tribal Journeys...	Some helpful info-resources: PADDLE JOURNEYS main site TEN RULES OF THE CANOE SCHEDULES of the canoes TRIBAL JOURNEYS CANOE-INFO Contact Us