Canoe Journey Grants

The Intertribal Canoe Journey revives the centuries-old traditions of transport and trade by the Coastal Tribes of the Northwest, many of whom traveled over open waters to meet and gather for festivities.

About the Journey

Emmett Oliver, a Quinault Tribal Elder, revitalized the annual canoe journey among Northwest tribes when he organized the "Paddle to Seattle" for Washington State's centennial in 1989.

The canoe journeys have become a major catalyst for Coastal Salish people to re-learn, strengthen and reinforce their canoe traditions. The journeys teach people about:

• canoeing, living, working, and achieving in a community
• the value of knowledge
• the value of hard work

The journeys create pride in, and respect for, Native Indian cultures.

2011 Grants

Twenty groups received grants for the summer 2011 Journey to Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, helping with ground support, food, safety equipment and other living costs during the weeks-long journey.

A total of $38,500 aided 32 canoes. Funding was provided by:

• First Nations Development Institute
• Kalliopeia Foundation
• Eulalie Bloedel Schneider Foundation
• Jeffris Wood Foundation
• contributions from the 2010 Potlatch Fund Gala

Groups receiving grants:
[# of canoes]

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community [Host Tribe]
Swinomish, WA: $5,000

B.R.I.D.G.E. [1]
Lakebay, WA: $1,500

Blue Heron Canoe [2]
Kent, WA: $1,500

Chinook Indian Nation [4]
Bay Center, WA: $1,500

Coquille Tribe [1]
North Bend, OR: $1,500

Cowlitz Indian Tribe [1]
Longview, WA: $1,500

Grand Ronde Canoe Family [1]
Grand Ronde, OR: $1,500

Ha'y Tilixam Canoe Society [1]
Pendleton, OR: $1,500

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe [3]
Port Angeles, WA: $1,500

Lummi C.E.D.A.R. Project [1]
Bellingham, WA: $1,500

Makah Nation [1]
Neah Bay, WA: $1,500

N'Chi Wana Pum Canoe Family [1]
Warm Springs, OR: $1,500

Ohileqw-sen [1]
Bellingham, WA: $1,500

Oliver Canoe Club [1]
Kingston, WA: $1,500

One People Alaska Canoe Society [1]
Juno, AK: $1,500

Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe [3]
Kingston, WA: $1,500

Sacred Water [1]
Suquamish, WA: $1,500

Snoqualmie Tribe [4]
Snoqualmie, WA: $1,500

Squaxin Canoe Family [1]
Shelton, WA: $1,500

West Shore Canoe Family [1]
Ferndale, WA: $1,500

Canoe Nations Support Consortium
Seattle, WA: $5,000