Something different is happening with the Tribal Canoe Journey this summer. Instead of one large journey, four communities, including Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation, will be hosting mini versions.
According to organizers for Tla’amin, no single community was prepared to host the entire journey, which has been taking place for more than two decades. It started in 1992 in Bella Bella, which also hosted last year.
For the event in Powell River on July 17, 18 and 19, canoes are expected from up and down the BC Coast as well as Washington State.
“We hope to have 20 canoes and there are about 40 people travelling with each one, including paddlers and family members, so about 800 people in total,” committee member Calvin Harry said, adding that the journeys help paddlers stay in shape and keep cultural traditions going. Tla’amin’s journey has a theme Honouring Our Youth.
“It’s going to be a big cultural event for Powell River and Tla’amin,” Harry said. As well as teams of paddlers, there are safety boats carrying gear that accompany the canoes and others family members who set up camp and cook upon their arrival.
“It’s traditional that the different nation delegations host meals for the paddlers because they’ve done the hard work,” he added.
Friday and Saturday festivities begin at noon and continue until about 10 pm and on Sunday they take place between noon and 5 pm.
When canoes arrive at Willingdon Beach, representatives from Tla’amin, Homalko and Klahoose nations will greet the paddlers.
“Everyone is welcome to come and share in the festivities,” Harry said. “It’s open to all.”
Recreation vehicles will be parked in the lot to the south of the beach. Dancing, singing and drumming by each of the different canoe families will take place at the Rotary Pavilion. Arts and crafts as well as food vendors will have booths at the event, which is alcohol- and drug-free.
“The City of Powell River has really stepped up with trying to get this going,” said Harry. He added that the non-profit organization planning the event is hoping for in-kind donations, especially for food.
Tourism Powell River, St. John Ambulance and Volunteer Powell River are also slated to help out. “We need lots of volunteers for security and traffic,” he added.
With four different destinations, canoe families have a choice this year in where they want to go.
Tla’amin has committed to host the large Tribal Canoe Journey in July 2017 when between 100 and 110 canoes are expected with about 4,000 people plus visitors.
More information is available online.
