Paddle to Quw'utsun 2008

Tribal Journeys

Parking and Access Instructions and Information for
Spectators to Tribal Journeys 2008

Parade and Opening Ceremony Briefing available here.
Final information about marshalling for the parade, the Opening
Ceremony, instruction for Skippers and Pullers.

Click here to view a photogallery of pictures taken at Cherry Point Marina
The point of first landing on July 28

At the end of July, as part of Tribal Journeys 2008, Cowichan will host over 100 canoes some of them coming from as far away as Northern Alaska, Washington and Oregon, as well as many BC Coastal Nations. Some of the canoes will have been on the water for 2 weeks prior to July 28th, which is Landing Day.

People and spectators in Cowichan Bay will thrill to the sight of a vast flotilla of canoes coming in to land, a sight that has never been seen in living memory on this coast.

The Canoe Journey is a time of healing, hope, happiness, honour and hospitality. The Journey began in 1989 with nine canoes as the Paddle to Seattle.

In 2006, the Paddle to Muckleshoot hosted over 60 canoes and more than 40,000 participants. Canoes came from as far away as St.Paul Island, Alaska and the Grand Ronde Tribe in Oregon, traveling the routes of our ancestral highways. The Journey seeks to honour the centuries-old custom of transport, harvest and trade by the Coast Salish tribes, many who traveled the waters to meet and gather for festivities.

Relationships are strengthened, family ties are renewed, and young and old gather together during this drug- and alcohol-free event. Our Elders believe that through canoe-pulling, we achieve perfect harmony and balance.

All our traditions are based on respect. Respect for our elders, for others, for all our relations as well as for our environment. As such, we have a code of conduct that must be adhered to by all participants in order for everyone to enjoy a safe, warm and welcoming event. . Download the complete Code of Conduct here.