By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
Grounded, at peace, one with the universe are a few phrases that come to mind when thinking of that special connection coastal Natives experience when out on the Salish Sea. But in addition to that, there’s also this strong sense of pride, knowing that you are traveling the same waters as your ancestors, using the same mode of transportation, singing family songs that have been passed down the generations, speaking your tribe’s traditional language, and sharing your teachings as you celebrate the culture with other tribal nations.
That connection is important to experience for tribal adolescents, especially at such a crucial point in their lives; a time of self-discovery, as many prepare to embark on a personal journey of establishing their own identity. It also gives them the opportunity to sharpen and showcase their leadership skills and learn how to carry themselves while representing their respective tribes. Which is why many were elated when Puyallup announced an inter-tribal pull this summer, specifically for the youth.
The 2024 youth canoe journey is officially underway, and currently there are dozens of canoes already on the water enroute to this year’s final destination at Puyallup. After visiting the neighboring tribes of Nooksack, Lummi, Samish, and Swinomish, the canoes will land at Tulalip this year on Saturday July 27.
Tulalip began preparations for canoe journey at the top of the year by hosting weekly culture nights, where attendees crafted regalia and various items that could be both utilized and gifted by the youth during the pull to Puyallup. This spring, Tulalip held an awakening ceremony for the tribal canoes, Big Brother, Big Sister, and Little Sister. Shortly after the awakening, the Tribe organized weekly canoe practices, providing the opportunity for participants to train and build endurance for long distance pulls across the sacred waterways.
During the final days leading up to the landing at Tulalip Bay, the Education Division is hosting culture week at the teen center, which is focused on fashioning last minute gear and regalia for this year’s journey. Multiple regalia stations are setup in the gym, where the kids can work on ribbon skirts, wool skirts, beadwork, drumsticks and more.
Shane McLean, Youth Council Advisor, shared, “From our department, we’re having four chaperones that will be taking twenty youths from the teen center. And then there are youth that the canoes families will be chaperoning themselves as well. I’m estimating that will be around thirty kids, so probably around fifty of our youth will be pulling this year. I’m excited to get our youth connected to the water, to the land. Giving them a chance to go out and sing and get healing, and hopefully gather teachings from different elders along the way.”
Throughout each day, the teens popped in and out of the gym to work on their projects, while still taking time to enjoy the weather outdoors with their friends. On the afternoon of July 23, Tulalip News was able to catch up with seven teens who were buzzing with anticipation as this year’s canoe journey rapidly approaches the shores of Tulalip Bay.
While on a leisurely stroll of the teen center campus, friends Kiannah Moses and Ellashawnee Gorhan Dumont spoke about what they are looking forward to the most during the 2024 journey.
After sharing that she had fun during the weekly canoe practices, Kiannah stated, “[Practice] was really fun and pretty cool. I’m looking forward to everything – hanging out with my family, paddling, and camping!”
Ellashawnee added, “I’m excited for the canoes to come in. Canoe Journey makes me happy and proud, it’s awesome to know your culture and just to feel that feeling of being out on the water.”
Madison Sheldon was also soaking up some sunshine and putting in some work at the skatepark when she took a moment to share, “I’m so hyped for canoe journeys because this year I get to paddle. Ever since I got to practice for the first time, I’ve had a connection with the canoes, Big Brother and Big Sister, and I felt so happy paddling with all the fam. I can’t wait for camping out with the family, I love doing that and hanging out with the cousins. I think it’s important to share some parts of our culture with other tribes because some kids don’t know our songs and we don’t know their songs, or what their tribe does and what other tribes do. And I like sharing anything about our tribe.”
Inside of the teen center, Taya Shopbell and Izzabella Jones, proudly held up their ribbon skirts for a photo. Taya shared that she is still thinking about venturing out on the canoe this year, but she is excited to sing and dance during protocol. And Izzabella echoed Taya’s sentiment and said, “It always feels nice to go dance and be a part of my culture. I’m looking forward to camping, going with my friends, and dancing.”
Over at the beading station, Kaidence Stricklin was hard at work, constructing a necklace of purple beads. Taking a quick break to chat with us she admitted, “I honestly don’t know what to expect, but I’m really excited because this is my first time. I’m mostly looking forward to staying up all night and watching protocol.”
Nakoyia Fryberg was beaming with pride as she put the finishing touches on her wool skirt when we caught up with her. She expressed, “I actually just now finished this skirt. And this is the one that I’m going to be wearing on journeys. It took me awhile. I’m looking forward to hearing everyone sing and seeing everyone dance. I think it’s really important to keep it going, so that when we’re not here anymore, it can keep going. We’re trying to ensure that this keeps going even after we’re gone. It’s about seven generations – thinking of the people who aren’t here yet and what we need to do to make sure that the teaching gets to those people.”
For more information about the 2024 youth paddle to Puyallup or Education Division’s culture week, please contact the teen center at (360) 716-4909.
The Tribe recently put out a request for volunteers for the canoe landing at Tulalip on July 27, from 8am – 8pm. Duties include handing out food/drinks, trash clean up, and dinner/table clean up. For additional details and to sign up to volunteer, please send an inquiry to krisanfryberg@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.