Annual Canoe Journey now south of La Conner

Crowds gathered at Fidalgo Bay Sunday afternoon for what has become a regular summer sight on area waters for nearly 30 years – the inter-tribal Canoe Journey.

But for one couple it was a new experience.

Bill and Christine Beaupre of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin were backing their RV into place at Fidalgo Bay Resort when they saw a flotilla of brightly painted canoes, several crafted from Northwest cedar, approach the beach.

The couple had just finished an early jaunt around Whidbey Island, but their sight-seeing wasn’t over.

Far from it.

“We happened to stumble onto it,” said Christine. “We had booked our site here a couple weeks ago – it was the last one available – so we knew it was a popular spot, but we didn’t know about the Canoe Journey.”

They were soon to find out.

The Beaupres were among those who enjoyed viewing the canoes and speaking with members of canoe families – as eagles soared above – prior to a dinner feast coordinated by the host Samish Indian Nation.

H.L. Belmont, Jr., of Suquamish, whose lineage extends to several tribal communities in Washington state and British Columbia, said canoes arrived Sunday at Anacortes variously from Lummi and Lopez islands.

Those embarking from Lummi reached Fidalgo Bay in about two and a half hours, he said.

“Each one has its own story,” Belmont said of the canoes, which were aligned in orderly fashion for the Beaupres and the rest of the public to inspect and photograph at their leisure.

The Canoe Journey story, Belmont explained, is rooted in the 1989 Washington state Centennial Celebration. He said the “Paddle to Seattle” that summer was a way to revive the traditional method of transportation on the region’s waterways and provide a rich cultural experience for all involved.

The revival took hold at Swinomish and other reservations around Salish Sea, especially among young people.

“These kids,” Belmont said, “have the ability to go out on our ancestral highways and get back what had been lost to us.”

The Beaupres can relate, in a modern sense. They are in the midst of a cross-country trip, free now to venture onto freeways and back roads of their choosing.

“We’re due back home in about three weeks,” Bill added, “so we have a few more days of fun and then we have to push hard again.”

So it was with the canoe families.

After an overnight respite at Fidalgo Bay they set off – once tidal conditions were favorable – for Swinomish and the La Conner area on Monday.

The “Paddle To Puyallup,” this year’s destination for the 110 canoe families, finishes Saturday with the Canoe Journey Landing. Over the next week the canoe families will share their songs and dances, celebrating their heritage. Closing ceremonies are August 4.