Port Townsend landing at Fort Worden - this Tuesday, July 19, 2011!
Since its inception, the Intertribal Canoe Journey, celebrated by the Northwestern tribes, has evolved into a dynamic agent for social change. It has sparked a cultural renaissance with Native youth learning traditional songs and languages so that they might welcome each other to their shores; carving skills so that they might create paddles and canoes; and weaving to create hats, vests and gifts for use in the Potlatch ceremony.
Most importantly, the Intertribal Canoe Journey mandates that all participants have healthy sober lifestyles so that they are physically, mentally and spiritually prepared for this intense undertaking. Native youth have been enriched by the “Paddle” and their interest in participating continues to grow each year.
JOIN US this Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Fort Worden when these strong and capable young people land on the beach with their beautiful, inspirational canoes! Would you like to volunteer and help us welcome our tribal neighbors when they arrive? Write to Pamela Roberts at proberts@jefferson.wsu.edu