On Friday, July 31, 2026, from noon to around 7 p.m., over 100 participating canoes from First Nations entered the Nisqually landing at Sequilitchew Creek Beach for an inter-tribal celebration and annual gathering. Indigenous people from all over the world – including Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South America, Canada and Alaska – came to the celebration, which is the largest in the world. This year’s theme was healing throughout the waters by honoring our ancestors.
Ancestors travelled great distances in the past, some of the Native American Tribes were Inuit, Maori, Native Hawaiians and other indigenous groups. The Nisqually people have participated since 1994.
The event was open to the public. Starting at Dupont City Hall, People walked a mile and a half on a winding trail to the beach to see the festivities of the landing of the canoes. Shuttles also brought those who couldn’t make the walk to the beach.
At the beach, there was a stage area for the Nisqually Indian Tribe elders and council members. The group welcomed attendees and gave permission for the canoes to enter the Nisqually Tribe’s waters. Each canoe that arrived had a nonverbal communication of holding their paddles vertical in the air, when approaching Nisqually beach. This that they are approaching with respect and peace. The Nisqually Tribe 6th council member, Guildo Levy, granted permission with his hands in the air, as well as some of the Nisqually tribal princesses and tribal elders.
August 2-4, each tribe held a Pow Wow, representing with dances, songs, gifts, prayers, cultural teachings and traditions, dressed in their native tribal outfits. The entire event was open to the public and also included gift making and vendors.
