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Tribal Canoe Journeys - Paddle to Squaxin 2012
Young people taking part in the Paddle to Squaxin in 2012.
Various canoes (14679787112)
Many canoes gathered for the 2014 Qatuwas Festival.

Tribal Canoe Journeys is a special event for the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. It brings together Native nations from places like Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington. This event started in 1989 and usually happens every year.

During the journeys, people travel in amazing canoes. They often wear traditional clothing for celebrations. Some canoes are made from sacred cedar trees. Others use newer materials and building methods. Along the way, travelers often stop to visit other Native nations. The final gathering place changes each year. This event helps teach new generations how to build and paddle these important canoes.

A Look Back at Canoe Journeys

Canoes were once super important to the Native peoples of the Northwest Coast. They were like cars are today! These large boats, often made from a single tree, almost disappeared a long time ago. The Canoe Journey event helps bring back these old traditions. It is a very meaningful cultural experience for everyone involved.

The first organized Canoe Journey was in 1989. It was called the "Paddle to Seattle." This event was part of Washington State's 100th birthday celebration. That year, the state and Native governments signed an agreement. It recognized the independence of Indigenous nations. Fifteen Native nations took part in that first Paddle to Seattle.

Since then, the event has grown a lot. A different Native Nation hosts the journey each year. They provide food and places to stay for the canoe paddlers and their helpers. People come from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Depending on how far they travel, a canoe trip can last up to a month!

When the canoe families arrive, they formally ask the hosts for permission to land. Sometimes they speak in their Native languages. After landing, a big celebration called a potlatch takes place. This is a time to share songs, dances, and gifts. The potlatch can last for several days. The Canoe Journey is a fun event for the whole family.

In 2009, the Suquamish Tribe hosted the 20th-anniversary journey. They welcomed over 6,000 guests. About 84 canoes arrived at their new House of Awakened Culture. The Swinomish Tribe hosted the event in 2011.

Canoes in Native American History

For thousands of years, most tribes in North America used waterways for travel. They used canoes to trade, hunt for food, and move between seasonal living places.

Native Americans built three main types of canoes:

  • Dugout canoes: Made from a single log.
  • Bark canoes: Made from tree bark, like birch bark.
  • Plank canoes: Made from planks of wood joined together.

The way canoes were designed and built changed depending on the region. Their sizes also varied based on what they were used for. Some were for one person, while others could carry up to six people. A typical birch bark canoe was about 21 feet (7 meters) long and 3 feet (1 meter) wide. It could carry 4 to 6 men and about 200 pounds (91 kilograms) of cargo.

Native American canoes look very different from other boats. These canoes are the most traditional ones used in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Different tribes could often recognize each other just by the shape of their canoes.

Some Native American "Bull Boats" were round and basket-like. They were covered with buffalo fur on the outside. Women often steered these boats. They could carry a lot of weight, up to half a ton, while floating down a river.

Today, some tribes still use canoes. They are especially important for traditional hunting of whales and salmon fishing. While modern canoes are often used, traditional canoes are still seen at festivals. They are also often displayed to show their history and beauty.

Journeys During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Tribal Journeys for 2020 and 2021 had to be postponed. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Mike Wyse of the Snuneymuxw First Nation in British Columbia announced the 2020 postponement. His nation was supposed to host that year's event. It was the first time since 1993 that the journey did not happen.

Because the pandemic continued, the 2021 journey was also postponed. The Tla'amin Nation was set to host that year. Their spokesman, Hegus John Hackett, announced the delay. He promised that the Tla'amin Nation would host a future event.

Past and Future Journeys

Here are some of the places the Tribal Canoe Journeys have visited:

The journeys planned for 2020 and 2021 were cancelled:

Here are some of the future planned journeys:

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