Canoe With Paddles Up

One of the beautifully decorated canoes which were brought to the Paddle to Squaxin event. After arriving here the members of the tribe would go to Squaxin Island for a council and potlatch which would last four days. Most all of the canoes would be transported home on trailers. These tribes which were once free to move up and down the coast now are constrained by international borders. This meeting offers a chance for relatives to get together to reinforce their ancient culture. Referring to themselves as brothers or cousins, these people all share common customs, art and similar languages. In ancient times the tribes warred at times and traded goods at other times. Now as their culture is fading away, they depend on meetings like these to build their common knowledge of the old ways.