The Canoe Journey - Governing Transboundary Waters: Canada, the United States, and Indigenous Communities - page 133

7 The Canoe Journey

Paddling for change

It is a powerful sight - hundreds of paddlers in brightly painted dugout canoes.
The waterscape is transformed to a sea of black and red, the colours of the Coast
Salish people.
The participants of the Canoe Journey have pulled (paddled) hard for the last
several hours and they are ready to come to shore. They are tired and hungry, yet
overjoyed at the sight of so many people waiting on the rocky shores to celebrate
their arrival. Following traditional protocol, the pullers wait for the last canoe to
catch up before seeking permission to land as a group. Facing the shore as a unified
flotilla, the canoes gently rise and fall as the sea swells.
Once unified, the lead canoeist initiates protocol. She speaks clearly and loudly
to the host tribe. First, the Creator is thanked for a safe journey. Then, the details
of where they came from and what tribal communities they represent are reported.
Lastly, the Speaker acknowledges that the paddlers are entering the traditional
territory of the host tribe and seek permission to come ashore. The Speaker clearly
indicates that they are guests of the host tribe, and will just be passing through.
Much of this information transpires in song.
They are part of a canoe journey integral to the traditional lifeways of the
Coast Salish people of Pacific North America. In times past, canoe travel was a
primary way of connecting with relatives and tribes. It was also a time to share
goods, pass on news, and build allies. In today's world, people can visit through
more “efficient” means - cars, ferries make the journey across these waterways
faster, and phones and computers make the news spread quicker. However, the
Canoe Journeys are more than just a matter of transportation and information
exchange. This is a way to maintain tradition and connections with a way of life,
and a reconnection with the sacred water. What it means for water governance is
an ongoing, explicit movement towards strengthening culture, reconnecting with
the waters, healing communities, and training youth. The Journeys also help build
allies, by raising the profile of their communities and building positive associations.
All of these work towards strengthening transnational water governance (see
Figures 7.1 and 7.2) .
On the shores, there is a buzz of activity in anticipation of the disembarking.
The host tribes have been planning the arrival for weeks, preparing the site, and
the food. The drummers are ready to welcome the travellers and there is a tent