Tribal Journeys 2010

Photos by: Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com  
 

The Makah Tribe of Neah Bay Washington hosted this year’s Tribal Journeys 2010: Journey to the Beginning of the World. The shores of Neah Bay are located on the farthest Northwest tip of the US and the Olympic Peninsula.  

This years journey included 86 traditional canoes from various First Nations villages spread along the west coast. Paddlers of all ages began their 2-3 week journey from British Columbia coastline, Vancouver Island, Washington Inlets and San Juan Islands. Some participants came as far as New Zealand and Hawaii, of course they didn’t paddle from their homelands but joined up with other canoe families.  

I arrived to the final landing beach after a couple of hours driving my home on wheels, a truck with self contained camper, on a winding hairpin turns road. Neah BTribal Journeys 2010ay was bombarded with tents, youth and vendors of all kinds.  

The next day the 86 ocean voyaging canoes and their families (NDN word for team, group)  each ceremonially asked permission to land on the beach and homelands of the Makah. There was great celebration, dancing, singing, drumming finishing with a welcoming salmon feast for thousands of paddlers, their families and spectators.

Benefiting most from the annual canoe journey experiences are the youth. These First Nations teenagers give great hope to future generations and proudly carry on their ancestral traditions. It's by far one of the best mentoring events I've ever witnessed. All participate in a great protocol fan fare that goes week long everyday from morning until midnight. Each tribe who sponsored a canoe are represented through the sharing of their songs, regalia and dancing. The celebration is highly honored and intense.  

All tribal members and non-Indians are welcome to attend the 2011 canoe landing and celebration which will be hosted by the Tsimshian of Prince Rupert, BC. That will also include a totem pole raising. Additional future journeys will be Paddle to Squaxin Island 2012, Quinault 2013 and Bella Bella 2014. This is a well organized First Nations event that’s not to be missed and needs to be experienced at least once in your lifetime

Comments

[holy land tours]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I would love to experience a tribe spirit and glide upon the waves with the native people. It is very honorable to participate with Indians on they ceremony.

[Angel Wynn]

Thank you for your comment. The spirit Journey was a wonderful experience. Not sure where it will be next year but in 2012 they will land on Squaxin Island. Maybe you can make one of them some year.

[marissa edwards]

i know what its like i went this year and sometimes itsn not easy to get along with all your family especialy on the hot water ive experienced it all but its true you must experience this at least once in your life and if you dont you've missed out greatly .like i said ive been through everything :the big waves ,the rolls,the choppy water,ans sadly the fights and flips but it was all worth it we=hen your on the water your all family and if you forget that the canoe will tip because your not helping oh and one more thing if you ever call tha canoe a boat you get thrown in

[marissa edwards]

oh angel wynn it is going to be in swinnimish next year and yes in going again

[Angel Wynn]

Thanks for letting us know where next years Canoe Journey will end. Just to clarify, when Marissa mentioned the endurance it takes to make this trip, when she mentioned "family" it means her team mates of paddlers in her canoe. This is one event that is mighty spectacular and should not be missed.

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These First Nations teenagers give great hope to future generations and proudly carry on their ancestral traditions.