Canoe Journey Guidebook - Squaxin Island Tribe

printed posters and listen to the radio for
updates about the Journey. Don’t forget
to support the businesses that support
our events. Many Tribes donate funds
and volunteer to support the journeys.
Usually the host Tribe provides the bulk
of the budget. There is no overall funding
for the journey at this time. But remember,
it isn’t the monetary value that’s
important here. It’s our cultural resurgence
with youth, Elders, and communities
coming together. That’s priceless!
What is a support boat?
As you can imagine, paddling a canoe
in stormy weather can be dangerous.
Canoe Families have a support boat or
boats with knowledgeable skippers.
One year, the Strait of Juan de Fuca was
so stormy and cold, the support boats
collectively called a halt to the crossing.
One person had to be hospitalized. If a
particular Canoe Family doesn’t have a
support boat, others will help to watch
over their canoe. Then, at each stopover,
you can only imagine the challenge,
after a long day of paddling, of having to
set up camp, build a fire and then cook
your supper! The paddlers are hungry,
and sometimes cold. Their support team
has everything ready for the paddlers.
This year, we expect about 3,000 people
to participate including paddlers and
support.
Please feel free to visit our websites:
www.PaddleToSquaxin2012.org
www.squaxinisland.org
www.islandenterprisesinc.com
www.squaxinislandmuseum.org
www.little-creek.com
www.SquaxinIslandTourism.com
and two new gems:
www.salish-cliffs.com
www.seveninletsspa.com
19 • paddle to squaxin 2012