Indigenous Peoples and Colonization

Indigenous People's Connection to the Land and Water

• Indigenous people have lived along the coast and waterways for centuries, relying on salmon for survival.
• Salmon are crucial to their livelihood, and they prepared themselves to harvest salmon in the most plentiful places.

The Impact of Colonization

• The arrival of newcomers dramatically changed the indigenous way of life.
• Borders were imposed, restricting their movement and access to their traditional lands.
• Assimilation policies took away their culture, moving them to reservations.

Revival of Canoe Journeys

• The last great canoe journey occurred in 1855, when tribes went to Mukilteo to sign a treaty with the newcomers.
• Today, canoe journeys are being reborn, allowing indigenous people to reconnect with their culture and ancestors.
• These journeys involve traveling by canoe, singing, and practicing traditional ceremonies.

Identity and Rebirth

• Many indigenous youth are seeking their identity and wanting to be part of these canoe journeys.
• Elders participate to witness the rebirth of their culture and stand proud with their ancestors.
• The journeys bring healing, not just for individuals, but also for their communities and ancestors.

Unity and Celebration

• Canoe journeys bring together people from different tribes, celebrating their shared culture and heritage.
• The 30th anniversary of the canoe journeys saw over 100 canoes gather, marking a significant milestone in preserving their culture.
• The unity and pride among the participants are palpable, showcasing their resilience and determination to keep their traditions alive.

Preservation of Culture and Language

• Canoe journeys help preserve the language, culture, and traditions of indigenous people.
• The songs, dances, and ceremonies practiced during these journeys ensure their cultural heritage is passed down to future generations.
• The journeys also promote unity, understanding, and goodwill among the participating tribes and nations.

Sharing Culture and Traditions

• The canoe journeys provide an opportunity for indigenous people to share their culture, traditions, and songs with others.
• They demonstrate the importance of giving, sharing, and respecting one another's ways of life.
• The journeys foster a sense of community, mutual respect, and understanding among participating nations and tribes.

Indigenous People's Connection to the Land and Water

• Indigenous people have lived along the coast and waterways for centuries, relying on salmon for survival and harvesting them in the most plentiful places.
• Salmon are crucial to their livelihood.

The Impact of Colonization

• The arrival of newcomers led to the imposition of borders, restricting indigenous people's movement and access to their traditional lands.
• Assimilation policies took away their culture, moving them to reservations.

Revival of Canoe Journeys

• The last great canoe journey occurred in 1855, when tribes went to Mukilteo to sign a treaty with the newcomers.
• Today, canoe journeys are being reborn, allowing indigenous people to reconnect with their culture and ancestors.
• These journeys involve traveling by canoe, singing, and practicing traditional ceremonies.

Identity and Rebirth

• Many indigenous youth are seeking their identity and wanting to be part of these canoe journeys.
• Elders participate to witness the rebirth of their culture and stand proud with their ancestors.
• The journeys bring healing, not just for individuals, but also for their communities and ancestors.

Unity and Celebration

• Canoe journeys bring together people from different tribes, celebrating their shared culture and heritage.
• The 30th anniversary of the canoe journeys saw over 100 canoes gather, marking a significant milestone in preserving their culture.

Preservation of Culture and Language

• Canoe journeys help preserve the language, culture, and traditions of indigenous people.
• The songs, dances, and ceremonies practiced during these journeys ensure their cultural heritage is passed down to future generations.
• The journeys also promote unity, understanding, and goodwill among the participating tribes and nations.

Sharing Culture and Traditions

• The canoe journeys provide an opportunity for indigenous people to share their culture, traditions, and songs with others.
• They demonstrate the importance of giving, sharing, and respecting one another's ways of life.
• The journeys foster a sense of community, mutual respect, and understanding among participating nations and tribes.