By Tom Rohrer
As Patrick Johnson, a member of the Dandalia Canoe Family of Vancouver Island, B.C., tried to recall over 15 years of memories of participation in the annual Tribal Canoe Journey, a look of content spread across his face.
“As I’ve participated in more, I’ve really noticed that I reflect on memories from the past,” Johnson said while sitting in the Squaxin Island Tribal Center for the Potlatch Protocol portion of the Paddle to Squaxin 2012 event. “When I first started in 1997, I didn’t really sleep during the journey. But the memories I felt this time, it shows you how much things have changed.”
After an emotional and inspiring landing ceremony near the Swantown Marina on Sunday, July 29, participants in the Paddle To Squaxin tribal journey have had the opportunity to participate in Potlatch Protocol at the Squaxin Island community from Monday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 5.
The potlatch ceremonies include gift exchanges, storytelling, drumming, singing, the speaking of native languages and initiating traditional games of chance.
In order to host such an event, the Squaxin Island Community has been relying on a host of volunteers to accommodate the vast crowds and extensive ceremonies.
“We’ve got a great group of volunteers who have been working extremely hard,” said Leslie Johnson, the Director of the Squaxin Island Tourism Department. “It’s a huge amount of work, but it’s very worth it.”
Throughout the week, exhibitions from various tribes and canoe families will be held in a massive tent, coupled with grandstands with the capability to hold hundreds, if not thousands of spectators. To accommodate those unable to attend the event in person, Squaxin Island has set a live stream of the event available on their community website. For visitors like Patrick Johnson, witnessing the ceremonies and traditions of other groups is a major part of the experience.
“It’s always interesting to see the different styles and traditions of the other groups that are present,” Johnson said. “I think its very important for people to share with others what makes them unique.”
Johnson was nice enough to share videos of canoe journeys past, where his canoe family experienced 25 foot waves and winds over 50 knots. While that sounds extreme to most, Johnson insists he has seen much more strenuous conditions.
“When you’re out on those big waves, some over 50 feet, you hang up at the top of the wave, almost in limbo,” Johnson said. “That’s part of being on the water, and something we enjoy. When you come from a whaling family, you’ve been on the water you’re whole life, so really, big waves are nothing.”
Riding with canoe participants who’ve yet to complete a journey, Johnson said he has to help show the ropes and prepare others for the experiences to come.
“With those who are less experienced, or haven’t yet completed the journey, we need to prepare them for all the things they will see at the end of the journey,” Johnson said. “All the songs, dances and traditions the will see. It motivates them to travel and they show a lot more discipline.”
Now finally able to “relax” after weeks of travel, Johnson knows in the back of his mind that there is another journey: a return home.
“It will be a long trip back home,” Johnson said with a smile. “But it’s all worth it.”
For more information on the Paddle To Squaxin 2012 event, or the Squaxin Island Tribe, visit www.paddletosquaxin2012.org
