Page 2 - August 2013

Canoe Journey continued from Page 1.... at this event. It is an exhilarating shared their Canoe Family songs, experience and pullers agreed they drumming, and dancing. Gift giving were tired, but it was rewarding and special recognition honored to feel the power of the ocean. council members, veterans, support Families of the hosting tribes, sang boats, skippers, and youth for all and drummed before the visiting their hard work and commitment canoes requested to come ashore. in preparation to host this year’s Canoe Journey. All of this was live- Final Day on the Water streamed online for those who had prior commitments and could not As the traditional ocean-going attend these activities. The rough ocean surf created challenges as canoe familes canoes came in from both the north landed on the south beach in Queets. Tulap and her crew and south a large crowd came to A protocol list was available at arrived safely, but a few canoes tipped over as they came witness this momentous occasion the protocol tent and on Monday ashore. and greeted them. One by one the morning the Chehalis Canoe journey, supplying necessary to discuss the activities for the canoes were welcomed ashore by Family’s turn came. They practiced resources to achieve this goal. day, establish safety rules for the Quinault Nation leaders, dancers, every night in preparation for There was also some practice children, and keep the camp clean. and singers as they rode the Pacifc this moment to take the foor and pulling sessions in the Sound, Skippers would select their pullers waves in, completing their journey. honor the Quinault Nation for their and surf training on the Quinault for the next day and they were Sixty-nine canoes landed on hard work in hosting this year’s beach. This was the frst time the required to ensure they had food, Thursday, August 1 on the Quinault Canoe Journey. At times we could Canoe Family had travelled on the drinks and snacks ready. Staying Tribal Beach. hear our youth, from the youngest ocean, as it is well known to be hydrated is essential for safety and to the oldest, singing amongst quite dangerous and unpredictable. strength. After a few hours of traditional themselves, which was phenomenal. Fortunately, Vern Ward Sr. came welcoming and landings, it was Our performance was small in forward and was selected as the On the Water time for the host to feed the Canoe comparison to the task they took on. skipper for this year’s journey. Families and the thousands of Drumming, singing, and dancing the Vern provided some much-needed Safety is critical while travelling on guests that came to enjoy potlatch Canoe Family’s songs is a cultural experience as he is Quileute/ the water. This year Muckleshoot activities. This was a week long experience that is hard to explain. Muckleshoot and has worked on the provided their support boat while activity for Canoe Families to thank, But it was exhilarating knowing ocean, where he primarily fshes and travelling in the Straits of Juan share songs and dance with each that when we fnished, we had goes crabbing. de Fuca. After leaving Makah the other honoring the Quinault Nation. represented the Chehalis Tribe with Quinault Tribe provided support The theme this year was “Honoring honor and respect. It was a great There was singing, drumming and for all the canoes travelling south our Warriors!” Recognizing and morning! dancing practice before the journey along the coast. The ocean is less honoring our Native Veterans for began, as well as in camp while predictable than the rivers, and their patriotism. Our hands go up to the Quinault travelling to each hosting tribe along Quinault requested that all canoes Nation for hosting this year’s event. the coast. It was a good time to travel at the same speed for safety. Formal Protocol Next year’s journey is to Bella gather and gain strength from each The tall ships Lady Washington and Bella! other. It is a cultural experience, Hawaiian Chieftain were invited by Each of the Canoe Families with each member required to the Quinault Nation to escort was dressed in their regalia and More Photos on page 12.... donate ten items for the giveaway the ocean going canoes from during fnal protocol in Quinault. Neah Bay to Quinault. Some were seen beading their regalia, or working on some hand- Landing was a different made gifts. Others could be found challenge for many canoes at the protocol tents either in a jam as they came ashore. Pullers session or protocol, listening to the power-pulled around rocks, words of the elders as they shared waves, and wind as they their wisdom. landed on the beach at each hosting location. A Communication is crucial for a few mishaps occurred, as successful journey. Chehalis Canoe a few canoes fipped in the Family “Circle Up” would echo rough surf, but thankfully The royalty and leaders of the Quinault Nation greeted each Canoe across camp. Family members everyone arrived safely. Family as they came ashore at Point Grenville and over 10,000 would cease what they were doing Safety is always a key focus spectators to witness this aweinspiring event. Page 2 chehalistribe.org  greatwolfodge.com  luckyeagle.com  eagleslandinghotel.net