Over 100 canoe families unite for 2017 Tribal Canoe Journeys
Presenter, The Weather Network
Sunday, August 13, 2017, 6:00 PM - This summer more than 100 canoe families from Indigenous nations across B.C., as well as regions as far as Alaska and California united in Campbell River for the Tribal Canoe Journeys Festival.
Some canoe families paddled for nearly three weeks on the open ocean to reach the final stop.
Richard Till was the skipper onboard the safety boat for the Squamish Nation. His journey started in North Vancouver and at times the conditions were challenging.
“We had good northwest winds supporting us on the way down. After that we had calm conditions in behind the Gulf Islands, which were favourable," he said. "There were some nor 'westers coming out of Nanaimo, which were about average for this time of year. This made a bit of a swell, which created some challenges. Then the weather gradually calmed towards our next destination here in Campbell River.”
WATCH BELOW: The Tribal Canoe Journeys is more than just a gathering
The ceremonial event of Tribal Canoe Journeys aims to strengthen relationships between the peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
“It’s a revival and a resurgence of First Nations culture. To have the people come back and canoe on the same journey that our ancestors have done it’s very powerful," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde. "The young people are getting into their culture, their language and their songs.”
The 2017 Tribal Canoe Journeys was hosted by the We Wai Kai and We Wai Kum nations, and involved five days of celebrations, feasts and performances.
"Tribal Journeys is such an important event to all the Indigenous peoples within the Pacific Northwest. It allows us to embrace, celebrate and put into practice the legacies left to us by our ancestors," said Paula Amos, manager of regional initiatives and communications for Aboriginal Tourism BC. "The event helps us pass along this legacy to the youth, and to remind them and each other that we are resilient. It also allows us to remember the strength of our ancestors and appreciate the land and ocean, which has sustained our communities for thousands of years."
British Columbia is home to one third of Canada’s First Nations and the second largest Indigenous population. There are many ways to immerse in the range of cultural experiences offered in B.C. with more information at www.aboriginalbc.com.
