Squamish Ocean Canoe FamilySquamish Ocean Canoe Family
Squamish Ocean Canoe FamilyIt was in 1993 that the Squamish Nation Seagoing Society (now known as the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family) canoe took its maiden voyage to Bella Bella, B.C. Every year since, the members have been fundraising through raffles and bake sales, as well as by performing opening ceremonies at different venues in the Squamish Nation territories. The Family has two 45-foot-long red cedar dugout canoes that were made on the reserve in North Vancouver. The first one, called Kxwu7lh, was made between 1992-93. The canoe was carved by Cedric Billy from an approximately 700 years old, old growth tree. The second one was carved in 2005 named Hekili Manu.
The Squamish Ocean Canoe Family Clubhouse is based out of the Mosquito Creek Marina.
To understand the true force of the return of the Skwxwú7mesh ocean-going canoe, it is important to situate it within the dramatic return of the canoe to the Pacific Northwest, which began in 1989, when Emmett Oliver (Quinault) organized the inaugural “Paddle to Seattle” event. In 1993, under the leadership of Frank Brown of the Heiltsuk Nation, the first annual Qatuwas, or “people gathering together” was hosted in Bella Bella, B.C. The movement unofficially started in 1986 when Frank Brown and nation members carved and paddled a traditional dugout canoe (glwa in Hailhzaqvl) from Bella Bella to Vancouver to celebrate their traditional mode of transportation at Expo 86. Carved in the community for the first time in over one hundred years, it was a symbol of cultural resurgence for the Heiltsuk.
Since 1993, the weeks-long paddle and gathering has brought Canoe Families from different tribes and nations to the host community. Together, we share songs, dances, stories, and teachings. Every year since 1993 (except for pandemic years), the Kxwu7lh has participated in Tribal Journeys in the summer months, travelling to different host tribes and bands within the Salish Seas, and paddling from as far north as Bella Coola in 2008 and as far south as Quinault (outside coast of Washington state) in 2002. All paddlers (known as Pullers) live a drug- and alcohol-free life and participate in sharing Squamish culture through traditional songs and dances.
