Paddle to Lummi 2019 Arrives in La Conner

Coming through La Conner this month are canoes participating in “Paddle to Lummi” 2019, Sqweshenet Tse Schelangen “Honoring Our way of Life” July 24-28th.  The Lummi people welcome all of their relations traveling the traditional highways of the ancestors to participate in this year’s journey.  Together they will celebrate, honor and preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Coast Salish people. The Paddle to Lummi is  expecting approximately 10,000 people and over 100 canoes coming to their shores. With their arrival, they share in potlatch traditional song, dance, and testimonies that have provided their people over the generations with hope, healing, and happiness.    

The journey honors the rich traditions of Coast Salish tribes of the Northwest, who travel the waters to meet and gather for trade, ceremony, and celebration. Canoe Journey holds special significance to Coast Salish Tribes as it truly honors and nourishes the unique relationships and connections with the land, water, and one another.

Paddle to Lummi

Photo by: Swinomish Tribal Police/Lieutenant Earl Cowan