Takirirangi Smith to Paddle Maori War Canoe at History Making Event in Suquamish

Tribal Journeys 2009 ‘Paddle to Suquamish’ to Welcome Canoes as They Arrive on Monday, August 3, 2009, 1 p.m.

The Maori artist Takirirangi Smith who crafted The Longhouse Education and Cultural Center’s first waka (war canoe) at The Evergreen State College is returning for Tribal Journeys 2009 featuring canoes and international cultural activities at end of journey events from Monday August 3, 2009 until Saturday August 8, 2009 in Suquamish, Washington.

Canoes will arrive at 1:00 p.m. on August 3 at the new community house, “The House of Awakened Culture” that is located near the waterfront in downtown Suquamish. The event on the Port Madison Reservation in North Kitsap County will feature cultural events, learning adventures and family entertainment.

The Canoe Journey is a time of healing, hope, happiness, honor and hospitality. People attending the event can expect to be thrilled at the sight of a bay filled with beautifully carved canoes coming in to land.

The events mark the 20th anniversary of the historical 1989 “Paddle to Seattle.” This was the first traditional intertribal canoe voyage in over a hundred years, leaving the shores of Suquamish for Seattle. The 1989 Journey with nine canoes continues this year in central Puget Sound with approximately 80 canoes expected to participate.

Mr. Takirirangi will paddle the waka carved with fellow artist John Smith. The waka usually resides at The Evergreen State College Longhouse Education and Cultural Center.

Canoes will arrive in Suquamish from diverse locations including Hood Canal, Washington’s West Coast, Mainland BC, the San Juan Islands, Westcoast Vancouver Islands and the Inside Passage of British Columbia.

More information is available at http://www.tribaljourneys2009.com/ and http://tribaljourneys.wordpress.com/