Healing-Culture-Fun for Tribal Journey Paddlers/Pullers

[Pulling Together]

Annual Pulling Together canoe journey is about cultural education and relationship building . . .
PHOTO:

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy ( Onyota'a:ka / Oneida )
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

June 30, 2008

Musqueam First Nation welcomed the "Pulling Together" canoe journey - Aboriginal youth, police officers, and community members - the "pullers" in 15 canoes - and for awhile the BC Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong.

The celebration included singing, drumming, cheque presentations and a feast. The Pulling Together Canoe Society and Ride With The Tides Productions received $30,000 for the journey and the documentary called "Pulling Together: A Sacred Journey" commemorating this voyage, and according to a provincial news release "to strengthen relationships between police, Aboriginal youth and communities and to increase awareness about First Nations cultures".

The 2008 Pulling Together canoe journey is an eight-day canoe tour that travels from Hope to Gibsons. Aboriginal youth and police officers paddle together, visiting First Nations communities along the Fraser River and sharing traditional First Nations foods and stories. Approximately 150 people from Aboriginal groups, RCMP, the Abbotsford, Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, and Oak Bay police departments are involved.



Musqueam Indian Band Chief Ernest Campbell (left) greets Michael de Jong, B.C. Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation after he arrived on Musqueam territory with members of the canoe team 'Dmitri', paddling as part of the 2008 Pulling Together canoe journey.


Pulling Together began in 2001.
BACKGROUND. . .
http://www.pullingtogether.ca

PHOTOS . . .
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburne ... ogetherca/

Previously reported on this subject . . .
http://www.google.ca/custom?domains=www ... 4752&hl=en

[Paddle for Hope]

Burliegh Falls, Ontario
July 2008

The Paddle of Hope is an inspiring adventure in support for all of those who are living with cancer.

This is the second year for the paddle of hope which is a 42 km paddle through the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway.

Day one begins on July 24th in Bobcaygoen Ontario where twelve First Nations and Metis family and friends will start this years adventure and continue on until they reach Burliegh Falls, Ontario on July 26th at noon.

It will be three days filled with laughter, tears and memories.

The participants of the paddle of hope are loved ones that are paddling in support of their family and friends that are either living with cancer or for those loved ones that have passed from this horrible disease.

We are not fundraising, we are just seeking support from the communities that we will be in. To have our supporters at the finish line is a great feeling of accomplishment.

This event is open to everyone! If anyone is interested in joining us on this adventure at anytime during the three days please have them contact me directly and I will let them know where and when to meet us.

They will need to provide their own canoe as we do not have the resources to provide canoes for everyone.

I am hoping that we can receive donated canoes for this paddle, if anyone is able to provide us with a canoe for these three days it would be a great help to us.

If you require any information or if there is anyone interested in participating in the Paddle of Hope please have them contact me at stephaniec_metis@hotmail.com

Thank you in advance for your support.

CONTACT:
Stephanie Doughty
Tel: 705-654-9989

PHOTOS from 2007 Paddle of Hope
http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/paddlehope.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/paddlehope1.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/paddlehope2.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/paddlehope3.jpg

[Cowichan Welcomes Journey]

Canoe Journey 2008
VIDEOS . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3fMFH5m1NQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qJetqbvadc
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Celebrating Healthy Youth, Tradition and Culture!
August 2008
from the Inter Tribal Health Authority Summer Newsletter . . .

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View a video report on Canoe Journey 2008 . . .
http://www.nwin.tv/NWIN34.html
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Tribal Journey arrives at Cowichan Tribes to help launch 2008 North American Indigenous Games . . .
http://www.krentz.com/media/public3.swf
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Canoeing culture and First Nations traditions were evident as youth joined the more "seasoned" participants . . .


Tribal Journey as a Healing Journey for Inter Tribal Health Authority's ASCIRT ( Kwa-kwela.Xulit tu mustimuxw is the Aboriginal Suicide and Critical Incident Response ) program ( http://www.turtleisland.org/healing/ascirt08.rtf ) that partnered with the Campbell River First Nation who provided the canoe . . .


July 2008

First Nations teens gained insight into teamwork - their own culture and that of their Vancouver Island neighbours, as part of this year's Tribal Journey.

Here are some pics from the team that travelled to Cowichan from Campbell River, with help from ITHA's Kaye Froude and Donna Moon of the ASCIRT program . . .


http://www.turtleisland.org/healing/TJascirt08b.jpg

This photo shows fairly calm waters, but in fact the crews ran into strong winds, tough tide changes, and still - they loved it . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/healing/TJascirt08c.jpg
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For Immediate Release

Largest-Ever Tribal Journeys Expedition Lands at Cowichan Bay


On Monday, July 28, 2008 the largest-ever Tribal Journeys expedition – Paddle to Quw’utsun 2008 – arrived at Cowichan Bay, BC when over 100 ocean going canoes representing over 60 different Indigenous groups were welcomed to Cowichan territory by Chief Lydia Hwitsun and the Elders of the Cowichan Tribes.

Upon entering the Bay, the 100+ canoes paddled in the traditional circle formation then formed a line and paddling in unison concluding the journey landing on the Cowichan Bay Dock, formerly Westcan Terminal. Having travelled together for at least two weeks, canoes have joined together in four route groups – western route, northern route, southern route and eastern route. At the landing each canoe received the traditional Coast Salish welcome from Chief Hwitsun and Cowichan Tribe Elders.

This year in support of the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games opening on August 3rd in Cowichan territory, Tribal Journeys Paddle to Quw’sutun 2008 included canoes from the Western Arctic and Saskatchewan who traditionally do not pull in ocean waters. Canoe families from the Pacific Northwest nations ensured the safety of all new canoes in the journey.

Canoes journeying with Tribal Journeys 2008 included:

Western Route (black) – Ehattesaht, Mowachaht / Muchalaht, Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, Ditidaht, T’Sou-ke, Beecher Bay, Songhees, Tsawout, Tsartlip, Sto:lo, Quinault, Hoh River, Quileute, Makah, Snohomish

Northern Route (white) – Aboriginal Sports Circle (Western Arctic), BC Assembly of First Nations Leadership Council, BC Assembly of First Nations Womens Crew, Kxwult Squamish, Pekultn Sqwamish, Heiltsuk Bella Bella, Kwakiutl Fort Ruper, Namgis, Campbell River / ASCIRT, K’omoks Comox, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k:tleset’h – Kyuquot, Homalco, Nanoose, Nanaimo, Tlingit, Circle of Eagles Lodge Society, CSETS Coast Salish Employment Training, Malispina Nanaimo,
Metis Cowichan Valley, Metis Waceya, Saskatchewan, Sechlet, Sliammon, Victoria Friendship Centre, Penticton, Quw’utsun (Cowichan).

Southern Route (yellow) - Cowlitz, Chehalis, Squaxin, Nisqually, Puy, Snoqualmie, Muckleshoot, Suquamish, Port Gamble, Snohomish, Jamestown, Tulalip, Elwha.

Eastern Route (red) – Noxwsa’aq – Nooksack, Lummi, Smish, Swinomish, Grand Ronde-Oregon, Carvers Camp, Suquamish.

Upon conclusion of the landing protocols at the Cowichan Bay Dock, the Tribal Journeys 2008 canoe families, approximately 5,000 people will camp and celebrate at the Si’em Le’lum fields on Cowichan territory in Duncan from July 28th to August 1st before participating in the opening ceremonies for the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games on Sunday, August 3, 2008.

The landing protocol at the Cowichan Bay Dock included the final carving of the Cowichan Spirit Pole when carver and creator Carey Newman, Chief Hwitsun, MLA Stan Hagen, Cowichan 2008 Games Chair Calvin Swustus and Games CEO Rick Brant added their part to the pole. The Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole has travelled throughout the Province of British Columbia since early May providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for over 10,000 carvers. The Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole will officially open the 2008 North American Indigenous Games and remain as a legacy of the Games in Duncan, the City of Totems.


# # #

Media Contact:

For Tribal Journeys 2008 For Cowichan 2008 Games
Ron Rice Alicia Maluta
250.710.5159 250.510.1092
Ron.rice@cowichan2008.com Alicia.maluta@cowichan2008.com

[Tribal Journeys 2008]

The largest-ever Tribal Canoe Journey . . .
July 28, 2008
viewtopic.php?p=9515#p9515
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Special report submitted to Turtle Island Native Network

Cowichan Tribes formal welcome at Cowichan Bay
July 28, 2008



Tribal Journeys 2008
by Heather Tufts who also shares her photos

All the Tsawout pics are from the early morning departure from Tsawout on Sunday July 27th and the Tsartlip images are the arrival on the afternoon of the same day.



http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/TsawoutTJ08b.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/TsawoutTJ08c.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/TsawoutTJ08d.jpg

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http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/TsawoutTJ08f.jpg

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http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/TsartlipTJ08a.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/TsartlipTJ08b.jpg

http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/TsartlipTJ08c.jpg


July 29, 2008

First launched in 1989 Tribal Journeys has become an annual tradition of First Nations celebrating their rightful pathways through the respected ocean to visit many communities along the way.

The largest-ever Tribal Journey Canoe voyage took place this year to mark the beginning of the 2008 Indigenous Games in the Cowichan Valley. This is one of the most prominent cultural events associated with the North American Indigenous Games and this year's journey included more than 100 traditional, ornately decorated canoes traveling in groups along different routes from as far North as the Alaskan border -Tlingit and Haida Gwaii and as far south as Oregon State.

The southern route saw 45 canoes make overnight stops at Beecher Bay, Songhees, Tsawout and Tsartlip before proceeding to their final destination.

Each canoe glides to shore with paddles pointed triumphantly upwards as a symbol of arriving in peace and in honourable request to visit the territory.

After permission has been granted for each individual canoe to go ashore they are welcomed into the community with a longhouse feast followed by protocol drumming and dancing.

This indigenous journey is a gathering of nations which are represented by men and women of all ages. Many youth participate as a way to experience their cultural legacy and accompanying support vehicles travel the miles ahead with families, children and friends.

Their journey ended with all groups merging in Cowichan Bay in the late afternoon of Monday July 28th. The arrival of the first canoe carried the elegant twenty-foot cedar pole designed by Coast Salish carver Carey Newman, which had travelled to over 47 communities throughout BC. In each community, people of all cultures participated in the carving of the Spirit Pole as a gift of unity for the Cowichan People and the Indigenous Games. The Spirit Pole will remain in Duncan as a legacy of the games.

After the arrival of the Spirit Pole the canoes were received into Cowichan territory with a traditional Coast Salish welcome, a ceremony symbolic of ancient times when one nation would travel into the territory of another. The arrival into spectacular Cowichan Bay was a memorable and emotional occasion as 106 sturdy, proud and colourful warrior canoes arrived in ceremonial regional groups greeted by thousands of cheering spectators while traditional drumming and singing echoed across the bay.

The clouds parted briefly for a welcoming ray of sun to shed its light on the misty shores as the magnificent spectacle of canoes pulled their way through centuries of history into the shores of Cowichan Bay.

Stories and songs shared with laughter, prayer and hope revived while re-connecting to the harmony of the natural world, the participants of Tribal Journeys were invigorated after their amazing, healing journey which has deeply impacted everyone involved.

The journey's spiritual and historic significance is celebrated with four days of protocol prior to the Opening Ceremonies of the Indigenous Games and the largest ever Tribal Journey has brought together nations and communities in the spirit of cultural revival.

[Tribal Journeys 2009]

Tribal Journeys 2009

Suquamish Tribe host of the Canoe Journey in 2009 . . .
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33476307@N ... 7852/show/

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Tribal Canoe Journeys
Previous Years . . .
viewtopic.php?p=3619#3619
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Turtle Island Native Network archives of
First Nations / Tribal Canoe Journeys . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-summergames.htm

[admin]

Tribal Journeys 2009
Suquamish Tribe host of the Canoe Journey in 2009 . . .

VIDEOS . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhp_MFa6o6c
2009 Tribal Journey Paddle to Suquamish Aug. 3-8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrXJce4WeiM
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Photos

Slideshow of 2009 Tribal Journeys . . .
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33476307@N ... 7852/show/
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Here are four general interest pics from Tribal Journey canoes stopping in at Lummi on Sunday July 26th, 2009. The night before everyone was treated to the Creator's fireworks as lightening filled the sky at Birch Bay. About 20 canoes came in to Lummi, having picked up paddlers during stops at Tsawwassen, Squamish and other nations.

FALLING TIDE – Canoes arrive at Lummi on a falling tide


TWO CANOES PLUS - The two Kw'umut Lelum canoes (right) travelled from Shell Beach at Stz'uminus First Nation to Tsawwassen and south to Lummi.


TWO CANOES – The two Kw'umut Lelum canoes from central Vancouver Island. The canoe in the foreground was made from cedar strips by Elmer Sampson of Shell Beach. His daughter Frieda and partner Arnie Robinson were escorts for the 'Xpey canoe carved from a log by Noel Brown of Snuneymuxw.


A crew from Hawaii, aboard a Squamish canoe, had their own special greeting with a song and conch shells.


Mark Kiemele

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Canoe Journey’s sphere of influence growing
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/home/content/52645062.html
Pullers from Hawaii, Maori, Peru, Philippines among this year’s participants

SLIDE SHOW
http://media.indiancountrytoday.com/video/20090728+Walker+-+Canoe+journey.swf

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Award Recognizes Coast Salish Tribal Journey Partnership
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/global/46245062.html


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Released: 5/12/2009
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2218


The Coast Salish - U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Tribal Journey Water Quality Project was recognized recently with the Department of the Interior's Partners in Conservation Award for their studies to help restore nearshore marine habitats and ecosystem functions across the Salish Sea.

The award recognizes the strength of collaborative activities such as the USGS partnership with the Coast Salish Western Washington Tribes and British Columbia First Nations. This cooperative effort combined traditional Tribal ecological knowledge and USGS science during the 2008 Tribal Canoe Journey to research resources experiencing decline in the Salish Sea, which includes Puget Sound, Georgia Straits, and Straits of Juan De Fuca.

"The Salish Sea Ecosystem sustains our indigenous life way as People of the Salmon and Shoreline," said Swinomish Chairman, Brian Cladoosby. "We say in our Lands, when the Tide is out, the Table is set. Our way of life depends upon a healthy ecosystem that stretches from the mountains to the tidelands. Through the partnerships and project, we have a stronger science and policy capacity to protect the human health of our people, our culture, and aboriginal and treaty rights of our Nations. "

During the Tribal Journey, members of western Washington Tribes and British Columbia First Nations traveled in more than 100 canoes from locations throughout Washington and British Columbia to Cowichan First Nation in Duncan, B.C. Five of those canoes were very special. Each canoe towed a state of the art water-quality probes and Global Positioning System units. From north of the Strait of Georgia to southern Puget Sound, canoe families played a very big part in recording the health of the Salish Sea. In all, 607 miles of the Salish Sea was mapped and over 45,000 data points for specific water quality components were recorded including; surface-water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and turbidity. Canoes are ideal because they are slow moving and do not add any toxins to the environment. USGS scientists Eric Grossman and Swinomish Scientist Sarah Akin collaborated with USGS scientist Paul Schulster to develop a marine based gathering project and
The Coast Salish Nation is the trans-boundary indigenous and aboriginal group that stretches from north of Powell River through all of Puget Sound and down the Washington Coast. Approximately 550,000 square miles and 600 million acres of the Coast Salish region were represented by over 50 tribes and bands. In February 2008, elders, chiefs, and representatives from more than 50 tribes and first nations formally adopted a mission and action agenda at the 3rd Coast Salish Gathering with a goal of developing policy and support sound science for the restoration and protection of coastal ecosystems of the Salish Sea.

The Director of the Yukon River Intertribal Watershed Council, Jon Waterhouse brought the Coast Salish Gathering Leaders the experience of conducting water-quality studies during a canoe voyage that was successfully demonstrated during a 1,200--long canoe trip down the Yukon River in summer 2007.

"The Yukon River Healing Journey was developed to check the pulse of the river and it was up to our team to find a way," said Director Waterhouse. Yukon River's Biologist, Bryan Maracle and Schuster developed to the concept of "marrying culture and science," by dropping a water quality probe on the side of a canoe along the Yukon River. The Healing Journey started from Moosehide, Yukon Territory, Canada and landing in St Marys, Alaska, a 1700 mile paddle.

The Healing Journey and the Washington Tribal Journey shares a common purpose of blending culture and science through water quality testing and testimony from indigenous communities along the waters system of environmental changes and issues.

Contributions for the Project was supported by Northwest Straits Commission, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, USGS and the Potlatch Fund.

Contact Information:
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
Office of Communication
119 National Center
Reston, VA 20192 Debra Lekanoff, Swinomish Tribe
Phone: 360-466-7361

Jennifer LaVista
Phone: 703-648-4432

To learn more about the project visit the 2008 Coast Salish Water Quality Project and Tribal Journeys.com Web site.

http://www.usgs.gov

[admin]

The Fraser River Journey debuts on television

The Fraser River Journey, ( http://www.fraserjourneyfilm.ca/ ) a documentary film produced by the Media Design group in SFU’s Learning & Instructional Development Centre, will make its television debut on CBC-TV at 5 p.m. Sunday (June 21, 2009). It will be part of the network’s National Aboriginal Day programming.

The film follows a group of 12 aboriginal youths from all over BC on a raft trip down the Fraser River.

June 17, 2009
The Fraser River Journey documentary film produced by SFU’s Learning & Instructional Development Centre's Media Design group will make its television debut on the CBC at 5 p.m., Sunday, June 21, as part of the network’s National Aboriginal Day programming.

The captivating film follows a group of 12 aboriginal youths from all over British Columbia on a raft trip down the Fraser River. Wielding tiny but high-powered waterproof video cameras, they set out to document their adventures on one of the most stunning, diverse, and dangerous river systems in the world. In the process, they learned important things about their province, their heritage and themselves.

The film is set in the context of the bicentennial of Simon Fraser's 1808 exploration of the river that now bears his name, providing both a historical point of reference and an opportunity to take a hard look at the past, present and future of aboriginal life in B.C.

“We initially set out to commemorate Simon Fraser’s exploration of the river, but we soon realized there’s a much larger and more meaningful story to tell,” says producer/director Robert Broad. “European-Canadians have known about this river and region for two centuries now, but the First Nations communities have been living there for much, much longer than that. We see this project as just one attempt to hear some of their perspectives on the region’s history.”

“It’s not just a movie about a river. By giving these youth the tools, in this case a video camera, it gave them a voice to tell their stories and discoveries of the river, cultures and languages during the journey.”

LIDC Media Design produces award-winning original educational content in a wide range of areas, from local biographical and historical films to feature-length broadcast documentaries tackling important contemporary social issues with a national and international reach.

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Contact:
Robert Broad, Producer/Director, LIDC Media Design, rhbroad@sfu.ca, 604.762.8011
Fiona Burrows, Community Relations (PAMR), fiona@sfu.ca, 778.782.3928

[admin]

Rencontre project
June 25 - July 11, 2009

A canoe journey "to improve mental and physical health amongst young people, to reinforce self-esteem and promote exchanges between Native and non Native young people".
PHOTOS: http://rencontre.sepaq.com/photos/index.dot

Eight young people from Mashteuiatsh, Opitciwan and Manawan will take part in the Rencontre project, a 156 km canoe expedition in the Parc des Laurentides, Métabetchouan (near Lac-Saint-Jean) in Quebec (de la Jacques-Cartier National Park). www.sepaq.com/rencontre

[admin]

Paddling for a Purpose: Tribal Journey in the Salish Sea

PHOTOS: http://gallery.usgs.gov/photo_shares/th ... 20Salish/1

The Coast Salish Nation and the USGS will embark on their second Tribal Journey together from July 21-August 3, 2009 to study and improve water resources in the Salish Sea.

A celebration of blending traditional knowledge with USGS science as canoes land on Lummi Shores, WA on July 26.

Water quality has deteriorated significantly across the Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia in recent decades. Last year, water quality probes towed behind canoes identified areas with unexpected water quality patterns, which may threaten many habitats and ecosystem functions.

This year, the project will study even more features and will collect information critical for identifying causes of water quality impacts and detecting trends during changes in land use and climate.

Check out last year’s maps, videos and photos by visiting the 2008 Coast Salish Water Quality Project Web site.
A Blending of Science and Tradition - http://www.usgs.gov/features/coastsalish/
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Tribal Journeys
Turtle Island Native Network
viewtopic.php?p=3619#p3619

[admin]

2009 Pulling Together Canoe Journey Wraps Up Another Great Year

2009-07-16

Inspector Sean Maloney Officer in Charge of “E” Division Aboriginal Policing Services states, “At the conclusion of each journey that we have participated in, we all come away with a better understanding of each other cultures and traditions. We also have found that our time together gives First Nations people an opportunity to have a better understanding of the person behind the badge and uniform”.



The Pulling Together Canoe Journeys were inspired by the archetypal 1997 “ Vision Quest” journey of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. RCMP members and other police agencies, along with First Nations Youth paddle from First Nations Community to First Nations community. This journey normally occurs over seven days with approximately two hundred and fifty participants. Each year since 2001 a police agency has hosted and taken on the responsibility to plan and organize the year’s canoe journey. The Vancouver Police, Delta Police, New Westminister Police, and Abbotsford Police have each organized at least one Pulling Together Journey since 2001.



The Pulling Together 2009 Journey was hosted by the RCMP Aboriginal Policing Section in the Okanagan First Nations Traditional Territory.

The Communities who have signed Community Tripartite Agreements(CTA'S) participated along with First Nations policing members and Youth from different communities they are policing. Pulling Together 2009 provided an opportunity for relationship building, cross-cultural education, youth mentorship and a chance to bridge the gap between First Nations communities and the RCMP and other agencies. In addition to the original participating police agencies, other agencies participating this year included the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Military (Navy), British Columbia Conservation Officer Service, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Inspector Sean Maloney Officer in Charge of “E” Division Aboriginal Policing Services states, “At the conclusion of each journey that we have participated in, we all come away with a better understanding of each other cultures and traditions. We also have found that our time together gives First Nations people an opportunity to have a better understanding of the person behind the badge and uniform”.

The 2009 Pulling Together Canoe Journey was a great success and was to date one of the largest in its history with over 350 participants and 25 canoes participating in the seven day canoe journey.

The canoe family paddled traditional routes and stops shared by the Okanagan Nations Okanagan Indian Band and Penticton Indian Band. Approximately 60 current and retired RCMP members participated along with an estimated 75 First Nations youth with the other participants consisting of various police agencies and First Nations communities. The vast majority of RCMP were current serving members from a variety of policing sections.



The opening ceremony was held on the grounds of the Vernon Indian Band and was attended by close to 1000 people including various media outlets. The media included the CBC, a national film production crew who are in the process of developing a documentary, a prominent Journalist who has produced a number of stories for National Geographic and also local Newspapers.
The opening ceremony and feast were attended by His Honourable Lieutenant Governor Steven Point and Mrs. Gwen Point, senior Department of Fisheries officials from both Ottawa and British Columbia, the Officer in Charge of E Division Aboriginal Policing and local First Nations Chiefs.

His Honourable Lieutenant Governor Point also presided over the official naming of the newest canoe taking part from the DFO delegation, the “Sturgeon Warrior” at the opening.



During the event each RCMP member graciously donated money toward the purchase of eight IPODS. A number of youth were selected from the various canoes and ultimately, based on the assessments of the canoe crews eight youth were identified and presented with a new IPOD. The youth came from various backgrounds however the vast majority were considered less fortunate or disadvantaged. These youth, most whom have very little, were overcome with emotion and later described the journey as a very inspirational event.

Once again, the event proved to be a tremendous opportunity for RCMP members to learn about the various First Nations cultures but also for First Nations people to learn close up the culture of the RCMP and other Law Enforcement Agencies and develop mutual understanding. There was a strong interest by the youth to pursue a career within the participating agencies and they were encouraged throughout the event that despite their personal situations they have the ability to overcome and succeed. Relationships and trust were clearly strengthened as a result of the journey. Inspector Maloney states, “The response this year from both the communities and our Law Enforcement Partners has been overwhelming. It was clear from the onset of the opening ceremony there was great anticipation, enthusiasm and excitement heading into this event”.

For more information contact Cst. Chester Williams, E Division Aboriginal Policing Programs Coordinator (604) 828-2162 and Cpl. Dee Stewart I/C E Division Aboriginal Policing Recruiting/Programs (604) 992-3913.

For more background information please visit www.pullingtogether.ca

[admin]

Canoe Way: The Sacred Journey
documents the annual Tribal Journeys of Northwest Coast Salish people.
Indigenous nations of Oregon, Washington and Canada follow their ancestral pathways
through the waters of Puget Sound, Inside Passage and the Northwest Coast.
Families and youth reconnect with the past and each other.
Ancient songs, dances, regalia, ceremonies, and language were almost lost and are coming back.

http://www.canoeway.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canoe-Way-The-Sacred-Journey/156607181760

VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/v/QEENkIHMiYw

http://www.youtube.com/v/qpxh3EeScgE

Also of interest on this topic . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?p=3619#p3619

[admin]

Three young female Nga Waka Federation representatives will join the American indigenous Tribal Canoe Journeys
By Toi Māori Aotearoa

In a first for young Maori kaihoe, three female Toi Māori | Nga Waka Federation members have been selected to journey on board canoes alongside American indigenous tribes as part of 2010 Tribal Canoe Journeys.



Waimirirangi Conrad (Te Aupouri, Ngati Kuri, Te Rarawa), Bronwyn Hetaraka (Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu), and Karen Kite (Te Aupouri, Ngati Awa) along with Francis Mamaku (Ngati Awa) will join the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde from Portland, Oregon and the Suquamish Tribe from Seattle as they participate in the 10-day canoe journey alongside thousands of people from 60 tribal nations in America and Canada who take part in the annual canoe journey.



“Our inclusion in this prestigious event recognises both the success and mana around New Zealand’s indigenous art in America.” said Toi Māori General Manager, Garry Nicholas.



“Through these important connections, made as part of our International strategy, Toi Maori is able to continue to offer these significant opportunities for young Maori artists in America.”



On 9th July Francis Mamaku and Waimirirangi Conrad who will join the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde from Portland while Bronwyn Hetaraka and Karen Kite will be with the Suquamish Tribe from Seattle for the long canoe journey which will culminate on 19 July 2010 in Neah Bay, located on the Northwest point of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

The invitation for Toi Maori to participate came from the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, in Portland, Oregon and the Suquamish Tribe in Seattle.

Toi Maori has been fostering a relationship with these tribes since the success of the 2005 San Francisco ‘Māori Art Meets America’ exhibition. One of the major factors in the success of this exhibition was the connections made with American indigenous people and has resulted in an ongoing relationship through Maori art and culture.

Led by Toi Maori ‘Māori Art Meets America’ was transformed into ‘Toi Māori Eternal Threads which subsequently toured throughout the United States in 2005 and 2006, including touring to Warm Springs, Portland - Oregon and Seattle.

In October 2008 Toi Maori also exhibited Toi Maori Small Treasures at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. While there Darcy Nicholas, General Manager Community Services of Porirua City and Waana Davis, Chair of Toi Maori, visited Portland, Oregon and met representatives from the Siletz and Grand Ronde tribes.

Through this meeting an invitation was extended by Bobby Mercier, Cultural Leader and Canoe Master from the Grand Ronde, for two representatives from Toi Maori to attend the annual Tribal Canoe Journeys 2009.

After paddling 181 nautical miles and being hosted by different Tribes and reservations along the way, Tamahou Temara and Francis Mamaku shared their knowledge and experiences of Nga Waka Federation, which is responsible for the management of waka at the annual Waitangi waka (ceremonial canoe) pageants established since 1990.

Here is a link featured on the 2009 tribal journeys from their perspective http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/aug/ ... an-others/


A reciprocal invitation was extended for two representatives from Suquamish and one from the Grand Ronde to participate in the annual Waitangi Waka Pageant in the Bay of Islands in February this year. They had the opportunity to experience paddling the mighty Ngatokimatawhaorua with a full crew of 80 kaihoe. They shared their experiences back in America.


News article attached from Grand Ronde Newspaper Smoke Signals.
http://www.grandronde.org/news/Content.aspx?id=8448



News article attached from Seattle Newspaper Kitsap Sun.
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/01/cultural-exchange-spans-pacific-from-suquamish/



This year the MAKAH TRIBE will host the end of journey events July 19, 2010.


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Three Young Maori Female Paddlers Have Been Selected As Part Of The 2010 Tribal Canoe Journey In America

1 July, 2010

In a first for young Maori kaihoe, three female Toi Māori | Nga Waka Federation members have been selected to journey on board canoes alongside American indigenous tribes as part of 2010 Tribal Canoe Journeys.

Waimirirangi Conrad (Te Aupouri, Ngati Kuri, Te Rarawa), Bronwyn Hetaraka (Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu), and Karen Kite (Te Aupouri, Ngati Awa) along with Francis Mamaku (Ngati Awa) will join the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde from Portland, Oregon and the Suquamish Tribe from Seattle as they participate in the 10-day canoe journey alongside thousands of people from 60 tribal nations in America and Canada who take part in the annual canoe journey.

"Our inclusion in this prestigious event recognises both the success and mana around New Zealand's indigenous art in America." said Toi Māori General Manager, Garry Nicholas.

"Through these important connections, made as part of our International strategy, Toi Maori is able to continue to offer these significant opportunities for young Maori artists in America."

On 9th July Francis Mamaku and Waimirirangi Conrad who will join the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde from Portland while Bronwyn Hetaraka and Karen Kite will be with the Suquamish Tribe from Seattle for the long canoe journey which will culminate on 19 July 2010 in Neah Bay, located on the Northwest point of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

The invitation for Toi Maori to participate came from the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, in Portland, Oregon and the Suquamish Tribe in Seattle. Toi Maori has been fostering a relationship with these tribes since the success of the 2005 San Francisco 'Māori Art Meets America' exhibition. One of the major factors in the success of this exhibition was the connections made with American indigenous people and has resulted in an ongoing relationship through Maori art and culture.

Led by Toi Maori 'Māori Art Meets America' was transformed into 'Toi Māori Eternal Threads which subsequently toured throughout the United States in 2005 and 2006, including touring to Warm Springs, Portland - Oregon and Seattle.

In October 2008 Toi Maori also exhibited Toi Maori Small Treasures at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. While there Darcy Nicholas, General Manager Community Services of Porirua City and Waana Davis, Chair of Toi Maori, visited Portland, Oregon and met representatives from the Siletz and Grand Ronde tribes. Through this meeting an invitation was extended by Bobby Mercier, Cultural Leader and Canoe Master from the Grand Ronde, for two representatives from Toi Maori to attend the annual Tribal Canoe Journeys 2009.

After paddling 181 nautical miles and being hosted by different Tribes and reservations along the way, Tamahou Temara and Francis Mamaku shared their knowledge and experiences of Nga Waka Federation, which is responsible for the management of waka at the annual Waitangi waka (ceremonial canoe) pageants established since 1990.

A reciprocal invitation was extended for two representatives from Suquamish and one from the Grand Ronde to participate in the annual Waitangi Waka Pageant in the Bay of Islands in February this year. They had the opportunity to experience paddling the mighty Ngatokimatawhaorua with a full crew of 80 kaihoe. They shared their experiences back in America. This year the MAKAH TRIBE will host the end of journey events July 19, 2010.

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Turtle Island Native Network
First Nations / Tribal Canoe Journeys
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-summergames.htm

[admin]

PHOTOS
Pulling Together 2010 - Coast Salish Journey
From Port Moody to Whiterock and everywhere in between.
By Kym Gouchie
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=465663&id=872090573
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July 5th, 2010

Participants in the 2010 Pulling Together Canoe Journey arrived today on the shores of Garry Point Park in Richmond.

Richmond RCMP participated in this year's canoe journey which included a large youth group from the Aboriginal Community Development Center. The youth are celebrating the tenth anniversary of Vision Quest by organizing the Pulling Together Canoe Journey.

Municipalities, the Canadian Navy and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are participating along with municipal police, RCMP and many Aboriginal and First Nation organizations. The Pulling Together Canoe Journey began ten years ago with the vision of having police officers paddle canoes alongside Aboriginal people, paddling the traditional highways and visiting Aboriginal communities along the way in hopes of building bridges between Aboriginal people and law enforcement officers. Cpl. Turley says "This is a perfect opportunity to bridge the gap that can exist between Aboriginal youth and the police".

In the past this event has been organized by the RCMP and other police agencies.

This year the Renfrew Collingwood Aboriginal Youth Canoe Club has organized the journey.

This canoe club is a youth led program based in Vancouver that offers Aboriginal youth opportunities to participate in traditional canoeing practices. Through this program Aboriginal youth between the ages of 10 to 29 increase their cultural knowledge and enhance their leadership roles, encouraging them to become more involved in their communities. Twenty canoes, each holding ten persons each, started this journey on July 3rd in Port Moody. Two RCMP canoes participated this year.

Over the course of the journey around 350 people will travel through five traditional territories and seven cities.

The journey will end on July 9th when the participants spend their last day in the Semiahmoo First Nations.
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Pulling Together Journey of Aboriginals and police reaches
10-year milestone

Over the next few days, people looking out to the ocean off Lower Mainland beaches may be forgiven for thinking they’re hallucinating. From July 1 through 9 they may happen to catch sight of 20, long, traditional, First Nations canoes, each filled with about 10 Aboriginal youth and elders, police officers and members of the Canadian Navy and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) paddling towards them.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual Pulling Together journey which brings together First Nations, police, Navy and DFO representatives. “This journey makes a huge difference in kids’ lives,” said Pulling Together organizer Emanuela Sheena, who is the Renfrew-Collingwood Aboriginal Youth Canoe Club Coordinator. “We have Aboriginal youth who, as a result of going on these journeys, are now working towards becoming police officers themselves. My son, Matthew, discovered his Aboriginal side on one of these journeys and was inspired to finish high school. He’s now headed for a career in with the DFO.”

Sgt. Beverly Mitchell with the Vancouver Police Department said the event is equally inspiring for police officers. She said that while the term “life-altering experience” is tossed around pretty casually, in her case it was true, after participating in the trip last year. “It was, by far, the most positive thing I’ve done in my career as a police officer.” Sgt. Mitchell watched the youth work extremely hard and display such positive attitudes that she found their behaviour deeply inspiring. She even went on a couple of further trips with paddlers, during the year.

This year’s trip, dubbed The Salish Sea Journey, will see the paddlers engaged in sharing cultural knowledge and canoe practices as they travel the traditional ocean highways through five traditional lower mainland territories and eight cities including Vancouver, Port Moody, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, Surrey and White Rock. (See attached schedule.)

Pulling Together is organized by a different group every year, usually a police unit. This year, it is being organized by youth from the Renfrew-Collingwood Aboriginal Youth Canoe Club, based at Collingwood Neighbourhood House in Vancouver.

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For more information please contact Emanuela Sheena, 778-995-6884 or esheena@cny.bc.ca.



The Salish Sea Canoe Journey – Pulling Together 2010
Schedule

Thursday July 1
7 pm Port Moody: Arrival at the Ioco Bowling Green (Ioco Road & 1st Ave) for official welcoming and opening circle

Friday, July 2
9 am Canoes depart from the Ioco Boat Club - acknowledgement will be given by City of Port Moody & Tsleil-Waututh Nation
10 am Canoes arrive at Barnet Marine Park
3 pm Canoes depart for Cates Park
4 pm Canoes arrive at Cates Park, welcomed ashore by Tsleil Waututh Nation and District of Vancouver
6 pm Dinner hosted By Tsleil-Waututh Nation at TW Nation Recreation Centre (3010 Sleil-Waututh Dr., N. Van)

Saturday, July 3
9:30 am Canoes depart from Cates park - acknowledgement will be given by City of Port Moody & Tsleil-Waututh Nation
1:30 pm Canoes arrive at Dead Man’s Island for lunch
3 pm Canoes depart for Ambleside
6 pm Canoes arrive at Ambleside, welcomed ashore by Squamish Nation, West Vancouver and Chief of West Van Police
7:30 pm Dinner hosted by Squamish at Chief Joe Mathias Centre (100 Road, N. Van)

Sunday, July 4
8 am Canoes depart from Ambleside - acknowledgement by Squamish Nation
11 am Canoes arrive at Jericho Sailing Centre for lunch
12 pm Canoes depart for Musqueam First Nations
5 pm Canoes arrive at Musqueam, welcomed ashore by Musqueam
6 pm Dinner hosted by Musqueam at the Musqueam Community Hall

Monday, July 5
9 am Canoes depart from Musqueam - acknowledgement by Musqueam Nation
(Lunch stop to be determined)
4 pm Canoes arrive at Gary Point
6 pm Dinner at Tsawwassen First Nation

Tuesday, July 6
8 am Canoes depart from Gary Point - acknowledgement by First nations and City of Richmond
12 am Canoes arrive at Wellington Point for lunch
6 pm Canoes arrive at Tsawwassen, welcomed ashore by TFN
7:30 pm Dinner hosted by Tsawwassen First Nation

Wednesday, July 7
8 am Canoes transported to Wellington Point for a day of play on the sand bar.
4 pm Canoes arrive at Wellington Point
6 pm Dinner hosted by Delta Police Department
7 pm Talent showcase

Thursday, July 8
8:30 am Canoes depart from Crescent Beach
11:30 am Canoes arrive at White Rock Pier for lunch
3 pm Canoes depart for Semiahmoo First Nations
4 pm Canoes arrive at Semiahmoo First Nations - acknowledgement by Semiahmoo Nation
6:30 pm Dinner hosted by Semiahmoo First Nations
9:15 pm Special presentation by Semiahmoo First Nations

Friday, July 9
10 am Semiahmoo protocol
Give Away
Circle
Pass the Paddle Ceremony
1 pm Pulling Together family members depart for their homes

Please note that times may vary depending upon a variety of variables such as weather, protocol, etc.

Support & Participants include:

The Pulling Together Canoe Society
Renfrew Collingwood Aboriginal Youth Canoe Club
Metis Family Services
Vancouver Police
Urban Native Youth Society
RCMP
Aboriginal Policing
Delta Police
Abbotsford Police
West Vancouver Police
Port Alberni Police
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Canadian Navy
Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam, Tsawwassen and Semihamoo nations
Representatives from Port Moody, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, Surrey and White Rock

[admin]

The Makah Tribe at Neah Bay, Washington State is host nation for the arrival of the hundreds of canoes
July 2010

Canoe Journey’s successful end celebrated among Northwest Coast tribes
http://www.americanindiannews.org/2010/08/culture-canoe-journeys-successful-end-celebrated-among-northwest-coast-tribes/


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Tribal Journeys Journal blog for continuing coverage:
http://blogs.northkitsapherald.com/journey/

A canoe journey by land . . .
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/lifestyle/99117559.html

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Tribal Journeys: Family traditions in the making . . .
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/ ... 29794.html

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A family that pulls together

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Canoe Family has practiced pulling since February in preparation for the 2010 Tribal Journeys canoe trip . . .
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/lifestyle/98117329.html

PHOTOS: Here are photos from the 2010 canoe journey to Makah
by North Kitsap Herald and Kingston Community News reporter Tad Sooter.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/northkitsa ... 010/07/08/





Here is the Route Map . . .
http://www.scribd.com/2010-Tribal-Canoe-Journey-Route-Map/d/34230907

Paddle to Makah . . .

http://paddletomakah.org/

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Canoes arriving at Songhees First Nation July 15th, as hundreds gathered to celebrate the naming of the Salish Sea . . .

http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=7681
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BACKGROUND
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-summergames.htm

[admin]

Native Americans & Dutch paddlers join Māori waka crews

Wednesday 26 January 2011

For Immediate Release

Native Americans & Dutch paddlers join Māori waka crews for Waitangi Waka Pageant 2011 & new Whare waka opens in Wellington.

The brisk waters of the Bay of Islands (Te Pewhairangi) will once again be hosting ceremonial waka of all designs from around the country, along with international guests, the Confederation of Grand Ronde Tribes of Portland Oregon, Suquamish representatives from Seattle and Dutch Representatives from Leiden, Holland.

Nga Waka Federation of Toi Māori has been involved with cultural waka art form exchanges with the Native Americans over the last two years at their Tribal Canoe Journeys (http://tribaljourneys.wordpress.com/) and our annual Waitangi Waka Pageant.

This has forged an invaluable relationship into the art form and the sharing of cultural practises which bodes well for the future. Who knows? We may even build a waka with them in their lands as another port of Nga Waka Federations international fleet of waka based overseas to promote Māori art and the country!

With the recent handover ceremony in October 2010 of the waka taua Te Hono ki Aotearoa (The Link to New Zealand) and the waka Tētē kura, Abel Tasman (Tāhīmana) based at the Volkenkunde Museum in Leiden, representatives from the museum and the oldest rowing club in Holland, Njord (Tangaroa or God of the Sea) Royal Rowing Club will be present at the Waitangi waka pageant.

Joe Conrad, Nga Waka Federation member and Kaihautu (Captain) of Nga Toki Matawhaorua says,

“Both Dutch and Native Americans will be training on the largest waka we have which is Nga Toki. The women can also participate on the waka tētēkura that will be made available.”

Robert Gabel, Chair of Nga Waka Federation and main organizer for the Waitangi Waka Pageant says,

“Maintaining our relationships on a national and international scale is one of our strategies to push kaupapa waka above and beyond these shores.”

In the meantime two waka from Whakatane, Mataatua Toroa waka taua (which has attended every Waka pageant in Waitangi since 1990) and Hinemoana waka tētēkura have been invited by Te Whare waka o Poneke Charitable Trust to attend and celebrate the official opening of its new waka premises located on the Wellington Waterfront next to the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

They will be part of an elaborate Dawn Ceremony on 6th February 2011. It will also involve locally based waka ama and other interested boating communities in the Wellington region.

Hinemoana will also be included as part of the International Sevens Rugby flotilla parade in Wellington on Thursday 4th February starting at midday.

All waka are in support of kaupapa waka and the two local waka taua, Te Aniwaniwa & Te Raukura.