History of Tribal Journeys

Paddle to Quw'utsun 2008

Emmet Oliver (of Washington State), and Frank Brown (Bella Bella, B.C.) and others conceptualized the idea of reviving the ocean going traditional cedar dugout canoe and worked on timing it with Washington State Centennial Celebration in 1989. They were successful in having these traditional canoes attend the celebration!

This historic event, also known as the "PADDLE TO SEATTLE", involved canoes paddling from Tribal Communities of Northwest Washington, and one (Frank Brown's canoe) coming from the northern coast of British Columbia. It was here that the host was passed along to the Heiltsuk who offered the next host in 1993. Listed are the Native American First Nations who have hosted a canoe gathering since that time:

• 1989 Suquamish, WA – Paddle to Seattle
• 1993 Heiltsuk Nation, Bella Bella, BC, Qutawas – People Gathering Together
• 1997 LaPush, WA – Akalat Gathering
• 1998 Puyallup, WA – Power Paddle to Puyallup
• 1999 Ahousat, BC – Canoe Quest
• 2000 Songhees Nation, BC
• 2001 Squamish Nation, North Vancouver BC – Kayatchtn
• 2002 Quinault, WA
• 2003 Tulalip WA – Healing through Unity
• 2004 Chemainus, BC
• 2005 Elwha, WA
• 2006 Muckleshoot, WA – Past & Present, Pulling Together for our Future
• 2007 Lummi WA – Travelling the Highways of our Ancestors
• 2008 Cowichan, BC – Tribal Journey 2008 Paddle to Quw’utsun
• 2009 Suquamish, WA – 20 Year Anniversary since Paddle to Seattle!
• 2010 Neah Bay, WA - Makah

Cowichan will be the 2008 host to over 100 canoes with participation from northern Alaska, Washington and Oregon states as well as other BC Coastal nations.

Lummi was host to 80+ canoes who landed on their shore in 2007. Cowichan will be host for up to 100 canoes as there is more participation from the Northern Alaska and BC regions, and this list will grow in upcoming years.