This is my friend John a master wood carver from the Snoqualmie Tribe.
I must say I have had the honor to ride in their Canoe and it was so exciting.
Canoe Journey
Digging out a canoe from a cedar log was integral to a tribe's existence and community for generations, but the practice gradually disappeared over the past century. In 1989, a Quinault canoe racer named Emmett Oliver revived the tradition with the "Paddle to Seattle," in which Native Americans journeyed by canoe from the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island to Seattle for the Washington state centennial celebration.
Canoe journeys are now an annual event and are intended to connect participants to Native culture and stress discipline, sobriety, strength and teamwork. The destinations change yearly. Last year, thousands from Washington to Canada landed on Shell Beach, on Vancouver Island, B.C.
Native protocol requires paddlers to request permission to come ashore, and the welcoming celebration lasts for days. This year, the gathering is the largest ever, with paddlers coming from as far south as Oregon and as far north as St. Paul's Island, Alaska. The Lower Elwha tribe near Port Angeles is hosting the festivities through Saturday.
Digging out a canoe from a cedar log was integral to a tribe's existence and community for generations, but the practice gradually disappeared over the past century. In 1989, a Quinault canoe racer named Emmett Oliver revived the tradition with the "Paddle to Seattle," in which Native Americans journeyed by canoe from the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island to Seattle for the Washington state centennial celebration.
Canoe journeys are now an annual event and are intended to connect participants to Native culture and stress discipline, sobriety, strength and teamwork. The destinations change yearly. Last year, thousands from Washington to Canada landed on Shell Beach, on Vancouver Island, B.C.
Native protocol requires paddlers to request permission to come ashore, and the welcoming celebration lasts for days. This year, the gathering is the largest ever, with paddlers coming from as far south as Oregon and as far north as St. Paul's Island, Alaska. The Lower Elwha tribe near Port Angeles is hosting the festivities through Saturday.
Wow Sue this is a perfect collage showing wood digging in action. I love the way you put it all together. Also your history and explanation. Imagine paddling all that way but the welcome party would be worth it!!
ReplyDeleteIt is quite a experience Milli.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very long journey. It starts in Fall City and goes up 3 Rivers to the Sound - then the Ocean.
But when they come home it is pretty exciting. Drumming and Story telling around large campfires.
My Grandson will one day go on this journey.
Wonderful collage of a grand craft tradition. Thanks for the little bit of history about it, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome craft! Good to know that such tradition has been revived. Going on that journey must be very exciting and challenging... Excellent collage!
ReplyDeleteVery good photographic example - very interesting
ReplyDeleteWow, what an interesting collage and what a story. You amaze me at every turn, Sue, love it!! Of course your fantastic photography only adds to the whole picture. Hugs
ReplyDeleteWonderful take on the theme. Love the quiltwork of images representing the age-old work of carving canoes. Love the words
ReplyDeleteMy Entry
A lovely montage very nice work;)
ReplyDeleteI was sure I left a comment a while ago Sue? Great way you have put it all together too.
ReplyDeleteThe Maories' still make them the same way today. Their carvings are beautiful to see too.