Canoe Journey Journal

The first story I covered for the North Kitsap Herald in August of last year was the landing of Tribal Journeys canoes in Suquamish.

I stood with thousands of other onlookers onshore as the canoes massed below and sweated in sun through the hours-long landing ceremony.

When the canoes finally unloaded I snatched interviews with the pullers as they trickled up through the crowd. They were weary but jubilant. Sunburned but inspired. I realized quickly their stilted quotes wouldn’t tell the story. To fully experience the Journey, you must experience it with a paddle in your hand.

This year I will have that opportunity.

Two months ago the Port Gamble S’Klallam Canoe Family invited me to join them on the Journey. I was surprised and honored. A few non-tribal guests are invited on the Journey each year, and it’s a rare opportunity for a person and certainly a reporter. Since the invitation in May I have joined the family on canoe practices in Port Gamble Bay and Hood Canal. It has given me a taste of both the hard work and camaraderie that launch the Journey each year.

In coming days I will write about the preparation for Journey, the practices, the planning and paddle carving. After the canoes depart Port Gamble on July 14 I will be posting dispatches as frequently as time and wireless signals allow. Look for posts here, photos on Flickr, updates on Facebook and accompanying North Kitsap Herald stories in print and online.

When we arrive in Neah Bay on July 19, I hope to have a new understanding of canoe culture and the families traveling beside us. And I hope to share that experience as best I can.

First, I must thank the members of the S’Klallam Canoe Family for inviting me into their journey.