The Canoe Journey is a time of healing, hope, happiness, honor and hospitality. The Journey began with nine canoes as the Paddle to Seattle in 1989. In 2006, the Paddle to Muckleshoot hosted more than 60 canoes and over 40,000 participants. Last year, canoes came from as far as St.Paul Island, Alaska and the Grand Ronde Tribe in Oregon, traveling the routes of ancestral highways. The Journey seeks to honor the centuries-old custom of transport, harvest and trade by the Coast Salish tribes, many who traveled the waters to meet and gather for festivities. Relationships are strengthened, family ties are renewed and young and old gather together during this drug and alcohol free event.

This year, on July 30th, 2007, Canoe Families from around the Northwest Coast came together at the Lummi Nation. On this day Lummi Nation celebrated its first potlatch since 1937. In the spirit of the tl’aneq’ (potlatch or gathering), Lummi welcomed each canoe family to the shores of the Lummi Nation with utmost hospitality. Lummi Nation Elders believe that through canoe-pulling, perfect harmony and balance are achieved. This is schelangen, the Lummi way of life. For more about the canoe journey and about the Lummi Nation see: http://www.paddletolummi-2007.org

On behalf of the Honor Foundation (see: http://honorday.org/ ) it was our pleasure to photograph this event. All of our photos are now loaded; enjoy. Don’t forget Honor Day on August 20, 2007 at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion, a chance to fulfill the cherished dreams of our Elders – this year is the Hoop of the Sky, or Year of the Artist.