By Shawn Dick, Tulalip News; photos by Shawn Dick and Wade Sheldon
Hundreds of participants and spectators watched from the shore, as canoes raced across the bay during the Annual Tulalip Canoe Races, held Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24.
The yearly event brings canoe clubs from across the region to camp on the shores and celebrate competition, culture, and community through traditional canoe racing. Teams traveled from Swinomish, Lummi, Nooksack, and First Nations communities in Canada.
This year’s race featured 14 canoe clubs competing in multiple race categories throughout the weekend. Categories include canoes in varying sizes, from singles and doubles to 6-man and 11-man. Each canoe size had multiple age groups competing in races, including 10 and under, 13 and under, 16 and under, all boys/girls, and men’s and women’s races. Two special races were held on Saturday for ages 18 and under and 19 and older men and women. Sunday was championship day, which also featured a single canoe race for men and women ages 40+.
Throughout the weekend, racers demonstrated teamwork, discipline, and respect for one another both on and off the water.
Among the teams celebrating victories during the weekend were racers Remus Wise-Morris from Vancouver Island, Nanaimo and Katie Bailey from Nooksack, whose team earned first place in their race.
“Paddling is healing,” Remus said. “The canoe and water are alive; always have the belief that it is there to help you.” And Katie shared a personal reason for racing, “I paddle for [my] papa and the people who can’t paddle.”
Racer Jacob Seward from Vancouver Island also shared words of encouragement for the younger pullers participating in the races. “When paddling, just keep pushing even when it hurts. Don’t give up on yourself.”
Susanna Roberts, a racer from Lummi, said one of her favorite parts of the weekend was competing in mixed races. “I really enjoyed the event, it was fun to participate against others that were men and women mixed.
Race coordinator, Natasha Fryberg, explained that taking on the responsibility of organizing the races also meant learning more about the history and cultural significance of canoes within Tulalip and Coast Salish communities.
“Culturally, it means everything,” Natasha said. “When I took this on, I also took on the responsibility and understanding of learning the history of our canoes and those that played a part in obtaining canoes for our tribe. I have built a love for the canoes as well as the families and others who participate. Especially because there are teachings shared with us in every aspect from the water to the land.”
Natasha said one of the most meaningful parts of the races is seeing experienced pullers set an example for younger generations. “Each time we are able to see how individuals carry themselves, how respectful they are, and how dedicated they are to showing our younger generations the love they have for these canoes,” she said. “I honestly love it. It is amazing to see how many individuals are dedicated to the sport and continuously train to demonstrate the love and commitment to canoe racing.”
As another successful year of racing came to a close, Natasha shared words for the community. “I would like to encourage everybody to come out and watch,” she said. “It is a beautiful event, and there are so many athletes and individuals that showcase their love and dedication to this way of life.”