Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - August, 2018

2

CANOE JOURNEY

From page 1 Left: The
Chehalis
deep water, the canoes were Canoe Family
exchanged for the 27-foot ocean performs
canoe “Tulaap” in Montesano to songs and
continue the journey. dances during
After spending a few nights final protocol.
along the river, the Chehalis Below:
Canoe Family headed to the Chehalis
Pacific Ocean and stopped at tribal elders
reservations along the coast. give thanks to
Many tribal members were able the Puyallup
to meet at camps along the way tribe (left)
to help pull that day or visit and while the host
offer support. tribe honors
The stops provided time to our elders by
discuss rules of the canoe, share gifting them
stories of the day and learn from with blankets.
other tribes as they performed
songs and dances.
Nightly circles were
established to work out the next
day’s pulls, usually after the
skipper’s meetings.
The Chehalis Canoe Family’s
motto, “One Heart, One Mind,”
helped them work in unison to
accomplish their goals.
To help lighten the load,
the ground crew played an
important part on land and at
campsites. Their duties ranged
from breaking down and
reassembling camp to making
arrangements for transportation
and meals.
The last stretch
After turning inland, the Final protocol people and those who came to be would become etched in
Chehalis Canoe Family made On the evening of Wednesday, a part of the ceremony. memories.
its way through the Straights of Aug. 1, Master of Ceremonies Drums echoed throughout Again, thank you to the
Juan de Fuca until reaching the Mike Edwards announced the the tent followed by the voices of Puyallup Tribe for hosting such a
Puyallup Tribe. invitation for the Chehalis Canoe singers as they proudly followed great event!
It was a huge accomplishment Family to take the floor. the dancers. Chairs were To the Chehalis Canoe
to travel three weeks and paddle available for Chehalis Tribal Family members, you worked
more than 300 miles on the They shared songs and dances Elders to comfortably witness hard and represented the
water, part of it on the open while dressed in tribal regalia the special occasion. Chehalis Tribe with honor and
ocean, to reach their destination. and gave gifts to the Puyallup The meaningful moment respect. Great job!
Because of numerous activities
set up at the final protocol site at Young men
Chief Leschi High School, canoe perform a
families set up camp a few miles traditional
away. This allowed them privacy dance in front
to practice their performance of hundreds in
dance and songs. attendance at
After a short break, the final protocol
celebration began! The Puyallup for the 2018
Tribe did an outstanding job Power Paddle
preparing for the huge event. to Puyallup
Canoe
Thousands of people Journey.
participated throughout the
weeklong celebration, many
asking to officially leave the host
tribe’s territory.
The Puyallup Tribe was well
equipped to handle the influx of
visitors with dozens of vendors
selling food, clothing, jewelry
and more.