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PLCCC Co-Chairs:
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Paddle to Lummi Community Connections Committee Order a DVD DVD for schools and organizations Produced by Mark Anderson For thousands of years people have inhabited the lands and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout these lands are the villages of the Coastal Salish tribes. In ancient times, the Coast Salish people traveled widely and lived rich lives filled with traditional skills and values. Life for the tribes was based around the plentiful resources this great land provide. The salmon, the shellfish, the animals and the great forests all became the fabric of daily life. The cedar tree played a large part in the story of these people. It was used in many different ways, from the making of cedar hats and clothing, to its use in the making of the longhouse. But its most important function was to be used to build the ocean-going canoes. These cedar canoes would be the most important possession a person or family could have. It was used for traveling, trading, fishing, whaling and warring. Because of all it's uses, the canoe became the essential means of communicating. In recent times, the tribes had almost lost the meaning and usage of the canoes as the modern world brought the car and the telephone to us. Additionally, the tribal gatherings, "Potlatches," were stopped by the US government. In 1989, the great canoe journeys were revived for the "Paddle To Seattle", a gathering of canoes for the Washington State Centennial Celebration. Since that time, canoe journeys have occasionally crossed the region heightening the awareness of native people and their culture. This documentary explores the many aspects of these canoe journeys, from the teaching of the traditional values of generosity, respect, honor and humility to the modern efforts of keeping people from abusing drugs, alcohol and themselves. Mark Anderson has generously allowed us the right to produce and distribute this edited edition of his award winning documentary. We would like this to be widely distributed throughout the region so that students and residents in Whatcom County are prepared to welcome the 2007 Canoe Journey and honor the Lummi Nation for hosting this magnificent event. The original half hour version of the DVD can be ordered from Mark Anderson himself. Email him at: mark@GlassWaterMedia.com. Charitable contributions to the Paddle to Lummi are tax deductible through the Lummi Nation Service Organization (LNSO), which is a tribally-chartered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. |
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