The CRD is proud to have supported and worked together with SC’IȺNEW First Nation last week as they welcomed nearly 20 canoe families, support teams and friends to the penultimate stop on the 2025 Tribal Canoe Journeys – Paddle to Elwha.
This annual canoe journey is a gathering of canoe cultures from Indigenous Nations from the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon and Washington. Canoe families visit Nations en route to the final host destination, which changes each year. In 2025, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe hosted Tribal Journeys from July 31 to August 5.
On Wednesday, July 30, 18 traditional canoes landed on the beach at East Sooke Regional Park, having travelled that day from T’Sou-ke Nation to the west, where they were hosted by T’Sou-ke Nation, and Fort Rodd Hill to the east, where they were hosted by xʷsepsum (Kosapsum) Nation. Each canoe, with on average 16-18 paddlers representing that canoe family, were welcomed ashore by SC'IȺNEW First Nation Chief Russ Chipps. The public was invited to witness and over 750 people enjoyed the beautiful weather at the beach, including paddlers, canoe family support teams and members of the public.
Canoe families from First Nations on the west and east coast of Vancouver Island were then hosted at a cultural protocol event at the SC'IȺNEW longhouse, with dinner and cultural sharing from each canoe family and the host Nation. Directors and CRD staff were invited to join this private event. The following morning, the paddlers departed from the same beach and headed across the Salish Sea to their final stop at Lower Elwha.
The CRD Board Chair and Vice-Chair attended the event, along with CRD staff. Witnessing the arrival of the canoes, the cultural protocol for welcoming the canoe families, and the cultural sharing in the longhouse was an opportunity for Directors and staff to learn about SC'IȺNEW culture as well as the broader significance of Tribal Journeys in supporting culture and cultural revitalization for Nations from across the region and beyond.
This event was made possible thanks to the hard work of SC’IȺNEW First Nation Chief and Council, volunteers and staff, as well as CRD staff who dedicated many hours preparing the site to host this important event.
The CRD is grateful for SC’IȺNEW First Nation’s collaboration and trust in the CRD to co-host and would like to thank everyone involved in making this event happen.
