TRADITIONAL CANOEING

Coast Salish culture is carried in the canoe, connecting us by the waterways to one another. The Coast Salish Youth Coalition honors this tradition by bringing youth together to learn the skills and values in our canoe practice. Canoeing follows the natural rhythm of nature - the ebb and flow of the tides, the movement of the wind, and the stroke of paddles all working together. This connection teaches the importance of listening to the land and water.

Our canoeing program also emphasizes health and self-reliance. As we paddle across the waters, youth learn to depend on themselves and each other, building strength, confidence, and leadership and strengthening intertribal kinship ties. Canoeing with the CSYC involves carrying camp gear and supplies in the canoe, reinforcing the practice of packing wisely, minimizing our ecological impact, being resourceful, and making the most of what we have. Each journey is an opportunity to learn how to work together, respect the environment, and rely on one’s abilities to navigate the waters ahead.

The annual Challenge Paddle event is a key highlight of our canoeing program, where youth embark on an intertribal journey through Coast Salish waterways. This experience builds physical and emotional endurance while strengthening community bonds, as participants from various tribes paddle together in celebration of their shared cultural heritage.

Incorporating canoes into our stewardship efforts, we paddle to restoration work sites, utilizing the traditional mode of transportation to reduce reliance on paved roads and deepen the connection to these sacred places. This practice brings full-circle the values of environmental stewardship and cultural connection.