Page 4 - July 2010

4 2010 Paddle to Makah! Canoe Journey (continued from page 1) tides for safe travel on the water. Skipper’s something that I’ve never experienced meetings were held the evening before to before. I learned that even if you don’t know establish leaving time and tides. Support anyone, they’ll make you comfortable and boat skippers were up early to meet their welcome you into their family circle. respective canoes. Our canoe family was The journey has encouraged me to be fortunate to have two support boats during more active in our tribal activities and I most the journey. defnitely will continue to encourage others Many thanks go out to Dave Lopeman, to join us next year on the canoe journey. I Squaxin Island Chairman and John am already excited for next year! It should Blessing of the Canoe tulap it wiA it sPaluuZmitn as the youth were Setterstrom for assisting us throughout the be just as great as this year, if not better. recognized who were travelling representing the Chehalis Canoe Family at journey. Without them we wouldn’t have I went on the journey for experience, but the Tribal Center Parking lot. Pictured are (L-R) Marcus Youckton, Deidra been given permission to leave the hosting now I can use this awesome experience Hawkes, TJ Trott, Cheyenne Pickernell, Shayden Baker, Skyler Baker, tribe. Other thanks go out to the families for my senior project. I’ll share pictures JR Pickernell, Whitney Lewis, Gabe Higheagle, Thunder and Lightning who opened their yards to host a visiting and memories with students and teachers. Sutterlict, Kayley Trott, Skylar Bracero. canoe family providing much needed and enlighten them on the culture and how showers and access to laundry services. amazing this journey really is. It was such The ground crew is a crucial part of We can’t forget to say thanks to Sylvia a positive opportunity, and I’m so glad I moving to the next Cayenne, Canoe Family mama and mentor went.” location. They are who encouraged and proudly said, “There’s responsible for my Angels!” referring to the white paddles Connie Baker, tribal member wrote, “I loading the truck and that look like angel wings as they moved participated in our tribes Canoe Journey reassembling the in unison. Knowing that tulap it wiA for the frst time. It was everything I was camp. Youth could arrived ahead of schedule and with the hoping it would be. It was the emotional be seen working as pullers‘ power pulls and prayers they pulled high that I had heard so much about, and a team setting up with their heart and soul. It’s not a race as not a minute of it was without some kind of tents for everyone. everyone knows, but prayers help move the memorable emotion. Pictured here is canoe along with grace and pride. “One heart one mind” is the family Little Bear Davis and Thanks go out Elders Elaine McCloud function, and no matter what task or Skyler Baker Setting and Trudy Marcellay for helping make our function was at hand, the family unit has up tents at Fort ragalia. Your work is greatly appreciated. to function as one. The teachings, the Warden State Park. Hope to see you next Year! 2011 Paddle stories, the daily chores, and tasks that to Swinomish. have to get done before anything else can proceed, is the daily addenda. And then the Personal Experiences fun can begin, interacting with the other canoe families, and tribes was awesome, Ashlea Parkinson, 17 year old tribal member everyone is there for the same purpose, commented, “Being the frst time on the the same goal in mind, to have a safe, fun, Canoe Journey, it was an eye opener. The and memorable journey, together, as one. Canoe Journey brought me closer to people The biggest family unit of all. And that and opened my eyes to my culture. How was powerfully emotional. Everyone made important respect and honor are to our everyone feel so welcome, like long lost elders and to nature as a whole. I learned so family visiting. All journey long I had the much from just watching others and how feelings of de’ ja’ vu, everywhere I went For three continuous days small craft advisories were in effect as the they interacted to certain situations. Getting just seemed familiar, some of the faces I journey entered the Straits of Juan de Fuca. This photo is leaving involved with the Chehalis Canoe Family saw, I thought I knew, when I mentioned Jamestown! The day ended early as the US Coast Guard required canoes impacted my summer greatly. this to Leona, she told me, My grandma to turn back due to 6-8 foot swells. I was able to hear people from different (Elaine) says that the feeling of de’ ja’ vu, tribes gather and jam together. I had the means that you are in the right place at Hands Up to Those Who Helped Us Travel Safely on the Water opportunity to paddle on my frst day. When the right time. That explained the whole we started out, I realized that everyone journey for me; I was in the right place at Support boats are crucial for the safety of the canoe and pullers. Being the right time. I didn’t want to leave, and I available to tow the canoe, exchange pullers, and give a break so they can on the canoe had joined as one. Learning didn’t want it to end. rest and eat, re-energizing for the next stage of the journey. to paddle in rhythm was hard at frst, Ragalia is made for formal protocol during the journey. Pictured (L-R) are Halissa Higheagle and Haila Old Peter cutting out the baskets for the Our hands also go up to Dave Lopeman, Squaxin Island Chairman for tunics or vests. being available and using his a support boat (L). He provided assistance at different stages of the journey. This photo is towing the canoe to Chinook Marina after landing at Owen Beach. Many canoe family Hands up to John members Setterstrom and had their his wife Mary for hair braided being our support during the boat during part journey. of the journey. Pictured Pictured (L-R) are is Dianna Skipper Gail White Pickernell Eagle and Support braiding Boat Captain John Sean Allen working on one of Glenda Setterstrom on the his gifts for the final protocol McNair’s hair Clarity while taking giveaway. in Makah. a break. On the left are Rules to Remember pullers taking a lunch break alongside the Clarity Canoe Families rafted up together to create a “Flotilla” of canoes while One rule that was strictly enforced was to take care of your property. If they awaited to come ashore. This photo is the Puget Sound tribes on the found laying around the camp, members were required to dance in order first day landing at Solo Point. to have them returned to them. These were recorded on camera or video.