Paddle to Quw'utsun 2008 Tribal Journeys Canoe Voyage

Upcoming Dates: Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1, 2008

First launched in 1989 as a celebration of Indigenous peoples' highly sophisticated relationship with the ocean, Tribal Journeys is one of the most prominent cultural events associated with the North American Indigenous Games.

The largest-ever Tribal Journeys Canoe Voyage is set to mark the beginning of the 2008 North American Indigenous Games. The Cowichan Nation 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.

Their journey ends as they pull into Cowichan Bay. There they will be 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, reminding us of the importance of the sharing of culture and respect for Indigenous people all over the world.

The Landing Day for Tribal Journeys marks a historical moment for each tribe or nation that hosts the canoes and welcomes them into their territory. 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.

Cowichan Tribal Journey Itinerary:

July 28th - mid afternoon Landing Day at Cowichan Bay
July 29th - full day Singing & Dancing at Siem Lelum field
July 30th - full day Singing & Dancing at Siem Lelum field
July 31st - full day Singing & Dancing at Siem Lelum field
August 1st - full day Singing & Dancing at Siem Lelum field

Specific events, dances and protocols are sacred. Photos and video will NOT be permitted.

This is a drug and alcohol-free event

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