The 2011 Inter-tribal Canoe Journey…on its way to San Juan Island

The canoes of the Salish tribes are coming....!

This annual event is a super reminder of both our roots in the area, and the chances for a positive future, as First Nations folks come to visit…here’s more from Stephanie Buffum from the Friends of the San Juans:

This Thursday-Sunday over 200 coast Salish tribes will be paddling through the San Juans from Vancouver Island on their way to their final destination, the Swinomish Indian Tribe in La Conner on July 25 for the 2011 Inter-tribal Canoe Journey.

Canoes will arrive on Waldron on Thursday July 21, and at the Port of Friday Harbor on July 22 around 2 pm at the Port of Friday Harbor Breakwater A. The public is invited to attend the welcoming of the canoe at the Port of Friday Harbor at Breakwater A around 2 pm (updates will be posted at the Port of Friday Harbor); and to bring a dessert to the fairgrounds at 7:30 pm to share.

On Saturday, July 23, approximately 12 sea going canoes will depart from the Port of Friday Harbor around 10 am and travel to Odlin County Park on Lopez. Arrivial at Odlin County Park is approximately 2-3 pm. A community potluck is scheduled on Lopez beginning at 5:30 pm.

The Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey is a cultural rejuvenation for the Coast Salish peoples. For the past 20 years, tribal canoes have departed from their homeland to a common destination within Coast Salish territory each summer. The Journey is a drug and alcohol free event and embraces the rich cultural heritage of the coast Salish people. Each canoe represents about 25 people (10 paddlers, 2 support boat members, and 13 ground crew).

Since 2003, FRIENDS of the San Juans has coordinated five Tribal Canoe Journey stop-overs through the islands. FRIENDS of the San Juans coordinates with businesses, service groups, and volunteers to assist with travel, food, and escort boats.

Traveling in traditional vessels....

Supporters include: Friends of the San Juans, Lopez Community Land Trust, Waldron Community, Roche Harbor, San Juan County Fair, Soroptimists, San Juan Islands Scenic Byway, Tif & Gif Creative, Port of Friday Harbor, San Juan County Parks, San Juan Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Rising Tide Graphics, San Juan Transit, Arctic Raven, Griffin Bay Bookstore, San Juan Coffee Roasting Company, Spring Street International School, San Juan Prevention Coalition, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, Otak, Outdoor Odysseys, Blossom Grocery, Washington State Ferries, Cask and Schooner Public House & Restaurant, Spike Africa, Lion’s Club and support boat captains: Jamie Stephens, Lark Dalton, Gunnar Wickman, Rocco and Linda Cappeto, Jeff Iverson, Jeff and Diane Dyer, and many volunteers!

To volunteer or make a donation to this event, please contact Stephanie Buffum at Friends of the San Juans (360) 378-2319. Help underwrite camping, travel and food costs related to this event. Mail donations to: Friends of the San Juans POB 1344 Friday Harbor, WA 98250

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