Thursday, June 27, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth Street

This will be the only community volunteer orientation before the Landing.

On July 24, 2019 Canoe Families from Washington, Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia will land at Lummi Nation. Four days of songs, dances and stories from each tribal nation take place until July 28. The journey honors the rich traditions of Coast Salish tribes of the Northwest who travel the waters to meet and gather for ceremony, and celebration. Canoe Journey holds special significance for Coast Salish peoples as it honors and nourishes the unique relationships and connections with the land, water and one another.

Come to learn many of the details about this amazing gathering of Coast Salish tribes of the Pacific NW, and Indigenous Peoples who are arriving as Guests of Lummi Nation. You will learn about:

• The history of Tribal Journey
• Ways to support the event through your contributions and volunteer efforts
• What is involved in hosting 10,000 people a day and serving over 11,000 meals a day
• What to expect about noon landing of tribal canoes, June 24, and start of cultural protocol after dinner that night
• What cultural protocols are followed by host nation and the visiting Tribal Nations?
• Where to park and get from one venue to another

BRING A FOOD ITEM/S TO THE EVENT FOR LANDING CANOE FAMILY’S GIFT BOXES

Bring a food item for a Welcoming Gift Box for each arriving canoe family: (Large Sized)peanut butter, jam, canned tuna or salmon, soup or stew mixes, pasta sauce, canned beans, baked beans, dried packaged meals (the kind which need meat added), spaghetti, almonds, cashews, Pistachios, peanuts, roasted peanuts in the shell, unsalted mixed nuts, crackers (wheat, Graham, animal, rice), canned fruits and vegetables, noodles, salad dressing, energy bars, meat and fish jerky, dried fruit & fruit rolls/sticks, cases of bottled water, cases of Capri Sun or similar drinks.

FURTHER THINGS TO DO NOW TO SUPPORT 2019 TRIBAL CANOE JOURNEY

DONATE to help lower $1.1 million dollar cost to Lummi: tax deductible donations

Sign up to Volunteer: Fill out the form with contact information and skills, etc. Once contacts for people are received information will be sent out about specific volunteer positions and shift choices.

Support the 2019 Paddle to Lummi Blanket Project sponsored by Olympia UUs. Donors are asked to contribute $90 to purchase 10 blankets; one you may keep for your own gifting. The remainders are given to Lummi Nation to give as gifts to members of each canoe family. In the last two years 1,200 blankets were given to each Nisqually and Puyallup Nations when they each hosted the 2017 & 2018 Tribal Journey.