Samish and Swinomish Tribes share canoe traditions, June 8
OLYMPIA – May 20, 2019 – The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program invites the public to the 14th Annual Salish Sea Native American Cultural Celebration at Deception Pass State Park on Fidalgo Island.
Hosted by the Swinomish and Samish Canoe Families, the celebration runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Bowman Bay picnic area on the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass State Park, 41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor. (Driving directions.)
Join the Tribes’ canoe families for a wood dugout canoe ride, share a traditional meal and engage with tribal music, storytelling and arts. The celebration raises awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the Tribes and honors their deep connections to Washington’s lands and waters. The event is made possible by the participation of the Samish Indian Nation and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.
The family-friendly event will feature free canoe rides and a salmon and frybread meal for purchase. Proceeds from food sales support the canoe families’ participation in the annual Tribal Canoe Journey — where tribes and nations from the Pacific Northwest travel by canoe to different host communities along the Salish Sea. The 2019 Paddle Journey will be hosted by the Lummi Nation near Bellingham from July 24 through 28. Learn more about the Paddle to Lummi at: https://paddletolummi.org/
In recognition of National Get Outdoors Day, June 8 is a State Parks free day. Visitors do not need a Discover Pass for vehicle entrance to the park. This event is accessible to people with disabilities. Those requiring special accommodations may make advance arrangements by calling (360) 902-8635, (360) 675-3767, or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at (800) 833-6388.
About the Folk and Traditional Arts Program
The Salish Sea Native American Cultural Celebration is part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Washington State Parks Foundation.
For more information about the Folks and Traditional Program, including upcoming events, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/folkarts, or contact Makaela Kroin, Program Coordinator, at Makaela.Kroin@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8635.
News media contacts:
Makaela Kroin, Folk and Traditional Arts Program Coordinator, (360) 902-8635
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
_________________________________________________________________________________
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 19-029