It is any ocean fanatic’s dream. To be able to head out into the water aboard a hand-crafted, hand-dug canoe on a route that is as old as travel in North America.
The Tribal Journey is again upon us and in a few short weeks, the Robinsons’ 40-ft dugout canoe will be entering the water at either Transfer Beach or the Maritime Society on July 18 bound for Washington State where they will meet with more than 100 other canoes from as far away as Alaska.
It would be an awesome sight and anyone would be lucky to be a part of it.
In Ladysmith the invitation to attend is extended to youth not only in the local First Nation’s community, but to any youth wanting to take in the experience.
There is of course some work to do and people wanting to take part must put in the hours fundraising, as it costs around $7,500 for the paddlers, ground and water support teams to make the trip.
The First Nation bands on the Island are very welcoming and forward thinking.
It is a pleasure to see the partnerships and co-operations springing up between First Nations groups and their neighbours.
From the language preservation, to their welcoming songs and appearances around town, you can tell there is a real concentrated push from local bands to not only preserve, but share their cultures and stories with the people around them.
To learn more about the journey, please call Lisa Robinson at 250-245-2152.