By Lynsi Burton
Skagit Valley Herald via The Associated Press
LA CONNER — Steady rain failed to dampen the spirits of thousands of canoe pullers and spectators who descended upon the Swinomish reservation’s waterfront Monday to end the Paddle to Swinomish Canoe Journey.
About 100 canoes from Oregon to British Columbia — several of which have been on the water for two weeks — paddled into the new Swadabs Park for a week of celebration hosted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.
Among the flotilla were canoes from the North Olympic Peninsula’s Hoh, Quileute, Makah, Lower Elwha Klallam and Jamestown S’Klallam tribes.
The Tribal Canoe Journey is a 22-year ritual that started with the 1989 Paddle to Seattle, which included nine canoes and participation from the Swinomish tribe.
Since then, it has become an annual event that has grown to encompass all Coast Salish tribes from the Salish Sea region — all Olympic Peninsula coasts, Puget Sound, Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia — with tribes taking turns hosting the event.
Though the canoe families and their supporters were in a celebratory mood Monday, emotions were mixed.
“I’m ready to cry because it’s really, really an awesome feeling to be with all the canoes and practice our culture,” said Gail White Eagle of the Chehalis tribe, which brought 25 canoe pullers who started paddling July 18 from Squaxin Island.
She and other pullers from several tribes rested at a park in La Conner, where dozens of canoes gathered before the ceremonial landing at Swadabs Park.
“But I’m excited that it’s over because I’m sore and I’m tired,” White Eagle added.
Several others were glad the tough part of the journey was over.
“I just want to jump in a hot shower,” said Kahelelani Kalama of the Nisqually tribe.
Tribal members said their favorite part of the Canoe Journey week is “protocol,” when tribes share songs and dances for each other.
“It’s really interesting to see other tribes perform,” White Eagle said. “They’re all really similar, but different at the same time.”
From “soft landing” areas along the Swinomish Channel, canoes paddled to the shore of Swadabs Park, greeted by hundreds of cheering onlookers huddled beneath hoods and umbrellas, and, per tradition, asked permission to land.
“We invite you to come celebrate with us,” Canoe Journey Coordinator Aurelia Washington said, inviting pullers ashore.
The influx of cedar canoes was an unusual sight for area residents.
Many walked down to places like Rainbow Park to see what it was all about.
“It’s fantastic,” said La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes, who watched the canoe landings from the Swinomish side.
“We’re just truly excited to be a part of it. It’s a testament to people working together.”
Swinomish has been planning for the Canoe Journey since 2007, building the new Swadabs Park and a Chevron gas station and resurrecting almost-lost cultural songs and dances for the occasion.
“It’s been an amazing experience for our people,” Washington said. “I can’t express how touching it is and how moving it is for our children to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and our elders.”
Canoe Journey organizers have estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people would come to Swinomish for the Canoe Journey week, which ends July 31.
Both the Swinomish reservation and the town of La Conner have worked to establish parking and camp sites for the swell of visitors.
Washington estimated the Swinomish tribe and volunteers would be providing 86,000 meals this week.
While watching the canoes come to shore, Denise Michell of Tulalip described the sight as “beautiful.”
She stood on the beach sharing an umbrella with her husband, Louis Michell, of the Scowlitz First Nations of Canada.
She said the collaboration among the tribes and their practice of ancestral traditions made her proud of those who participated.
“I love it,” Denise Michell said. “It lightens your heart.”
