Intertribal canoe journey expected to attract 10,000 people from region

Whatcom County residents will soon gather to witness the strength and beauty of coastal canoes landing, by invitation of Lummi Nation, near the Stommish grounds and Portage Island.

The Paddle to Lummi tribal canoe journey, also called “Sqweshenet Tse Schelangen/Honoring Our Way of Life,” will take place from Wednesday, July 24 to Sunday, July 28. It will honor the relationship that tribes up and down the west coast have with the land, water and each other.

Each year since 1989, different native nations have hosted canoe pullers, support crews and other visitors from Alaska, B.C. and Washington. Upon arrival, visiting canoe families ask permission to land in their native languages.

“The Lummi people are honored to welcome all our relations traveling the traditional highways of our ancestors to participate in this year’s journey,” said Jeremiah Julius, tribal chairman of the Lummi Indian Business Council. “Together we will celebrate, honor and share the unique cultural heritage of the Coast Salish people.”

Julius said they expect approximately 10,000 people and over 100 canoe families on their ancestral shores – something he says will help build strong bridges with neighboring communities.

Rebecca Kinley, special projects coordinator for Lummi Nation, said a traveling canoe can be anywhere from 15- to 40-feet long and hold up to 28 people.

As the canoe families begin arriving on July 24 – some traveling more than 100 miles to attend – the entire community will welcome and help them come ashore.

“It’s definitely not just one person that can lift up a 1,000-pound canoe,” Kinley said. “It’s an entire community helping facilitate, to ensure they get to our shore safely.”

Kinley said the intertribal canoe journey is more than just an event celebrating indigenous cultures. It is also a movement that allows people to reconnect with a way of life.

“Often times, we get so busy trying to fulfill a framework – a way of life that isn’t ours – that we get sidetracked about what our culture and ideals are in terms of healing and how we continue moving forward and doing our work,” Kinley said.

“It reminds us who we are, what we stand for and what we believe in, and we find a lot of healing from all the adversity and grief that we see.”

The event will culminate with traditional potlatch song, dance, gift-giving, singing, dancing and testimonies of the journey that organizers say have provided their people with hope, healing and happiness preserving their way of life.

Visitors to the area, as well as those in the greater Whatcom County community, are welcome to attend and be part of the festivities. The highlight of the event, the canoe landing, is expected to start around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24 at the Stommish grounds.