The first Canoe Journeys took place in Seattle on July 21, 1989. Washington was celebrating the 100th anniversary of their statehood but the Tribes said “not today” because we were here first. Then it was decided to make a Centennial Accord between the two sovereigns. The Centennial Accord is between the Washington State and Federally Recognized Tribes. The focus of the Centennial Accord has been on natural resources, education Indian Child Welfare, and health care.

During spring time we wake the canoes up because after canoe journeys we put them away before fall then we wash the canoes before we take them out on the water for canoe practice. Canoe practice is teaching new people how to paddle and the rules. Canoe journey is about different tribes gathering together in different places and protocol is about all the different tribes sharing their songs and dances. Big Sister’s name is a gift from our ancestors, tsi sqa tul ’?al ti tuyel’yelabcel.

Tulalip welcomes canoe families on route to Lummi Nation 2019. Photo by Tulalip News.

We asked Terra Perrin who brought to life Tulalips canoe? Jerry Jones and his assistant Joe Gobin of Tulalip Tribes carved the first dugout canoe in the Arby’s parking lot which is now the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino. She told us that she was in 6th or 7th grade when that happened. She remembers her mother Toni going to the Tulalip marina for canoe practice. Their practice consisted of pulling around Hat Island.

“I remember watching the news and seeing my mother Toni giving an interview on the beach at Golden Gardens Park and she said ‘I am so proud to be Indian’. We asked Theresa Sheldon if the Paddle to Seattle had a significant impact on Native Country? ‘Yes, it was a rebirth of canoes to the Pacific Northwest. It woke up the spirit of the Coast Salish Sea.”

We asked our auntie Shawnee what does it mean being on the canoe following her mother's footsteps? “It's happiness and honor to represent my mother in her tradition and carry the culture that my mom shared with me to fill that spirit and live one with it.” What was your favorite Canoe Journey? “2004 to Cowichen, B.C. because that was the most spiritual Tribal Journeys I have ever felt. The protocols touched your soul.”

We asked our auntie Heidi, what was her first Canoe Journey and why did she go? “I think it was to Neah Bay and I rode over with Todd” (2002-ish). She wanted to go see her sisters and wanted to experience it herself. Are you excited to see your daughter pull canoe? “Yes, cause it's a very spiritual experience that you can only do for yourself out on the water”.

We asked auntie Courtney, why are you called Canoe Sisters? “Because my sisters and I decided to carry on a tradition my mom started and we hope our children will carry it on to the next generation”.

by Kailani (Tulalip Tribes age 15) and Klayton (Tulalip Tribes age 14)

These articles are a culmination of our students 6 week series on 'Native Excellence in Journalism' . Students received 6 weeks of academic instruction on journalism by a variety of professional journalist and speakers. Clear Sky Academy is a pilot project offering Indigenous high school students social studies class, granting common core credit in partnership with Yellow Wood Academy. The course is titled 'American Indian Historical and Contemporary Experience'. The class focus is on Indigenous pedagogy, and community based, centering students in all aspects of their learning experience. Our holistic approach underscores our cultural worldview and tribal value systems with genuine authenticity. Students have the opportunity to learn from Indigenous educators, cultural experts, historians, Elder's and Indigenous professional. Students participate in projects and academic oriented activities supporting their interests while each unit of learning provides a foundation for examining and exploring cultural identity and experiencing shaping Indian Country.

To learn more about our unique course opportunity please contact us at markseattl3@aol.com our website www.urbannativeeducation.org

Paddle to Seattle by Kailani and Klayton