In 1989, seventeen tribes participated in the first modern Canoe Journey, the “Paddle to Seattle”, as part of the Washington State Centennial celebrations. This historic event soon led to annual Canoe Journeys and a cultural revival for Coast Salish tribes.

In this episode, participants share their Canoe Journey experiences, the history of Canoe Journey, and its importance to tribal communities and traditions.

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode.

Panelists include:

• Brianne McCloud, Leimomiwaiwainui Canoe Family Captain, Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Nisqually Indian Tribe
• Chester Earl, Director of Community Events, Puyallup Tribe of Indians
• Marilyn Wandrey, Former Captain of the Raven Canoe, Suquamish Indian Tribe
• Nettsie Bullchild, Director of Tribal Archives/Nisqually Tribal Historic Preservation Office and Tribal Elder, Nisqually Indian Tribe

Learn more at our tribal partners websites and fortnisqually.org.

Resources

Tribal Websites

• Puyallup Tribe of Indians: https://www.puyalluptribe-nsn.gov/about-our-tribe/heritage-division/
• Nisqually Indian Tribe: https://www.nisqually-nsn.gov/heritage/Medicine_Creek_Potlatch_Journey
• Suquamish Indian Tribe: https://suquamish.nsn.us/home/about-us/history-culture/

Articles

• Tribal canoes participating in the Paddle to Seattle arrive at Golden Gardens Park on July 21, 1989: https://www.historylink.org/file/20269
• Tribal Canoe Journeys: Strength in Tradition: https://maritimewa.org/story/tribal-canoe-journeys-strength-in-tradition/
• Connie McCloud, Tribal Canoe Journey: A Way of Life: https://48north.com/lifestyle/tribal-canoe-journey-a-way-of-life/

Other

• “Paddle to Seattle 1989”: https://mohai.org/collections-and-research/search/item/2024.55/-%23.2/?searchQuery=Indigenous%20Peoples&modules%5B0%5D=item&pageNum=26
• Leimomiwaiwainui Canoe Family: https://www.facebook.com/leimomiwaiwainui