Paddle to Squaxin Island 2012 Canoe Journey
Squaxin Island Canoe Journey · 150 Kwuh-Deegs-Altxw · Shelton WA 98584
Telephone: 360-432-3849 · Fax: 360-432-3744

PaddletoSquaxin2012.org

November 16, 2011

Media Contacts:

Debbie Meisner, 2012 Tribal Canoe Journey Coordinator
(360) 432-3849 dmeisner@squaxin.us
Leslie Johnson, 2012 Tribal Canoe Journey, Public Relations Chair
ljohnson@squaxin.us • (360) 432-3838 • (360) 280-2313
www.paddletosquaxin2012.org

On July 29, 2012, The Squaxin Island Tribe will host the 24th annual Canoe Journey, an intertribal
celebration of Pacific Northwest canoe culture and tradition. More than 100 canoes will land at the Port of
Olympia, in Washington state, with thousands of people joining to welcome each arrival.

This announcement comes at the closing of the successful 2011 Canoe Journey, hosted by the Swinomish
Tribe, near LaConner, Washington. “The Squaxin Island Tribal Council and Canoe Families congratulate
the Swinomish Tribe and people for making this year’s Journey an outstanding event,” says Ray Peters,
Media Contact for the Journey and Squaxin Island Tribal Council Member. “We thank them for their
generous hospitality during the weeklong cultural celebration.”

The Squaxin Island Tribe has chosen to honor the Teachings of Our Ancestors as the guide for the 2012
Canoe Journey. “These teachings are the center of our lives and cultures, as it is our ancestors that teach
us that we must care for our elders, each other, our children, and the earth because each is a part of our
past, present and future,” said Charlene Krise, Squaxin Island Museum Executive Director. The Canoe
Journey is a reflection of this connection.

For centuries, Pacific Northwest tribal people navigated the waterways in intricately carved dugout
canoes. The Salish Sea, the body of water that encompasses Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and
the Strait of Georgia in Canada, was the central force that connected canoe cultures for intertribal
communication and trade. But early federal government mandates outlawed many tribal traditions,
resulting in the almost lost art of canoe building, and ceremonial practices. In 1989, the Canoe Journey
event, originally called the “Paddle to Seattle”, was organized as a revival of the canoe culture traditions
and the Native American contribution to the Washington State Centennial. Today, tribes from
Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the Seminole Tribe in Florida participate.

The Bella Bella, from British Columbia, will travel more than 1,000 miles over 23 days. As the canoes
arrive at the host site on July 29th, each canoe family asks for permission to come ashore, according to
their own culture and protocol. Paddles are raised, signifying “We come in peace.” The Squaxin Island
Tribe will then host a week of traditional potlatch ceremonies and festivities with daily performances by
dancers, singers and storytellers. Potlatch ceremonies and performances will take place on the Squaxin
Island Reservation. The public is welcome but is asked to respect ceremonies, while in the protocol tent.

The Tribe is currently working in partnership with the City of Olympia and the Port of Olympia on a
transportation and parking plan to accommodate visitors and participants.

For additional information about activities in the surrounding Olympia and Thurston County area, visit
the Olympia | Lacey | Tumwater Convention Bureau website , or call Toll-free: 1-877-704-7500; or (360)
704-7544.
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