Paddle to Lummi Community Connections Committee 2007

Paddle to Lummi Community Connections Committee

How to Participate

For Northwest Coastal People, waterways were freeways for trade and cultural exchange and the canoe was the primary mode of transportation. After colonization, the canoe, with the cultural significance it carries, had almost disappeared. In 1989 the canoes entered ancient waterways for the first time in over 100 years at the first Canoe Journey, “Paddle to Seattle”. Since 1997 the Canoe Journey has been hosted by different tribes each summer and is now attended by over 6,000 people daily during the 4-5 day celebration and potlatch.

All aspects of cultural revitalization are demonstrated in the Canoe Journey. Pullers (paddlers) must train for months ahead to learn safety and to build physical endurance. Many people weave traditional cedar hats and other regalia. The language is spoken and traditional songs are revived and shared. People learn about traditional plants that might be used for first aid. Native foods are prepared. The canoe journey gives meaning and is a unifying force to all the elements of culture and is seen as a strong statement of resilience, strength, and hope for Indian Nations.

Paddle to Lummi 2007 Canoe Journey hosted by the Lummi Nation

Thousands of people from tribes throughout the Pacific NW and BC, and non-Indian visitors, will attend this event, July 30 through August 4, including 70 canoes traveling from their home site to the Lummi Nation. Estimations for "Paddle to Lummi" could reach 13,000 daily. As hosts, this is a massive undertaking for the Lummi Nation. Let us in Whatcom County applaud and support them in this effort, and honor the revitalization of culture and hospitality. There is much to learn from the Canoe Journey and many opportunities to support it, such as:

Volunteer to work with Paddle to Lummi Community Connections Committee to organize and carry out fundraising, education, and volunteer recruitment efforts.
Volunteer or recruit volunteers from your organization to work at the event itself.
Contribute financially towards our $300,000 goal.
Contribute goods or food products, or sponsor a particular item needed for the event.

Educational and Honoring Events to Attend

Monday, July 30 through August 4, Paddle to Lummi Intertribal Canoe Journey celebration and Potlatch on the Lummi Reservation. Visit www.paddletolummi.com for more information on the event.

Questions, or to volunteer to work with Community Connections Committee:

Beth Brownfield 738-8899, bethbrownf@aol.com or Kara Black, 676-2300, kara@treefrognight.com Open meetings every Thursday from 7-9pm. Call for location.

Tax Deductible contributions of funds and goods:

Send to Lummi Nation Service Organization, 2616 Kwina Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 384-2317. Please write "Pull for the Paddle" in the memo. Marian Exall 671-3612, mexall@mindspring.com

Educational background materials, sample newsletter article, or 15 minute DVD on the Canoe Journey:

DVD $5: Beth Beyers, littleminstrels@juno.com 752-5776.

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.



Welcome! Paddle to Lummi Home Page PLCCC: Who Are We? Special Events Orientations/Meetings Make a Donation How to Participate Whatcom County Involvement Order a DVD Spread the Word Contact Us PLCCC Co-Chairs: Beth Brownfield (360) 738-8899 bethbrownf@aol.com Kara Black (360) 676-2300 kara@treefrognight.com	Paddle to Lummi Community Connections Committee How to Participate For Northwest Coastal People, waterways were freeways for trade and cultural exchange and the canoe was the primary mode of transportation. After colonization, the canoe, with the cultural significance it carries, had almost disappeared. In 1989 the canoes entered ancient waterways for the first time in over 100 years at the first Canoe Journey, “Paddle to Seattle”. Since 1997 the Canoe Journey has been hosted by different tribes each summer and is now attended by over 6,000 people daily during the 4-5 day celebration and potlatch. All aspects of cultural revitalization are demonstrated in the Canoe Journey. Pullers (paddlers) must train for months ahead to learn safety and to build physical endurance. Many people weave traditional cedar hats and other regalia. The language is spoken and traditional songs are revived and shared. People learn about traditional plants that might be used for first aid. Native foods are prepared. The canoe journey gives meaning and is a unifying force to all the elements of culture and is seen as a strong statement of resilience, strength, and hope for Indian Nations. Paddle to Lummi 2007 Canoe Journey hosted by the Lummi Nation Thousands of people from tribes throughout the Pacific NW and BC, and non-Indian visitors, will attend this event, July 30 through August 4, including 70 canoes traveling from their home site to the Lummi Nation. Estimations for "Paddle to Lummi" could reach 13,000 daily. As hosts, this is a massive undertaking for the Lummi Nation. Let us in Whatcom County applaud and support them in this effort, and honor the revitalization of culture and hospitality. There is much to learn from the Canoe Journey and many opportunities to support it, such as: Volunteer to work with Paddle to Lummi Community Connections Committee to organize and carry out fundraising, education, and volunteer recruitment efforts. Volunteer or recruit volunteers from your organization to work at the event itself. Contribute financially towards our $300,000 goal. Contribute goods or food products, or sponsor a particular item needed for the event. Educational and Honoring Events to Attend Monday, July 30 through August 4, Paddle to Lummi Intertribal Canoe Journey celebration and Potlatch on the Lummi Reservation. Visit www.paddletolummi.com for more information on the event. Questions, or to volunteer to work with Community Connections Committee: Beth Brownfield 738-8899, bethbrownf@aol.com or Kara Black, 676-2300, kara@treefrognight.com Open meetings every Thursday from 7-9pm. Call for location. Tax Deductible contributions of funds and goods: Send to Lummi Nation Service Organization, 2616 Kwina Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 384-2317. Please write "Pull for the Paddle" in the memo. Marian Exall 671-3612, mexall@mindspring.com Educational background materials, sample newsletter article, or 15 minute DVD on the Canoe Journey: DVD $5: Beth Beyers, littleminstrels@juno.com 752-5776. 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.
©Lummi Nation 2006