The Indigenous Connections Team invites everyone to participate in the Gathering of the Eagles (GOTE) mini canoe journey, through the San Juan Islands on May 16-22 (see schedule below). Phreddie Lane, Lummi elder, host and organizer of the event, says “Rooted in the ancestral traditions of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi), the Gathering of the Eagles honors the waterways of the Salish Sea as our traditional highways, connecting our families and villages since time immemorial.” The Gathering is an intentional effort to foster respect among all communities that call the Salish Sea home.
This year, the sixth annual Gathering, we anticipate at least three canoe families, including a youth canoe from Chief Leschi Schools (Puyallup Tribe), and two canoes from Hawaii, one youth and one adult.
There are many ways to participate! In the past, ES members have provided transportation support, ground team support, equipment, and lodging for canoe family members and guests. UUs from Seattle, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bellingham, and Olympia typically join members of the IC Team as kitchen crew during the potlatch on the Lummi reservation outside Bellingham. This year the potlatch is on May 22.
The most important way people can support this event is to show up, be present, and witness the revitalization of tribal traditions, connections among tribes, and relationships between tribal members and non-native people. Standing on the beach and raising our hands to all the paddlers, volunteers, and supporters who come out to honor the spirit of this year’s Gathering is a deeply respectful practice.
Below is the schedule, with landing dates at each of the four stops. If you are interested and want more details, or if you would like to volunteer or lend equipment, please contact Carrie Bowman [email protected]. Thank you!
Schedule:
- May 16: Lopez Island, Spencer Spit State Park
- 1:00 pm canoe welcoming
- 5:00 pm potluck dinner @ Lopez Community Center
- May 18: San Juan Island, Jackson Beach
- 1:00 pm canoe welcoming
- 5:00 pm potluck dinner @ Jackson Beach Pavilion
- May 20: Orcas Island, Olga
- 1:00 pm canoe welcoming
- 5:00 pm potluck dinner @ Olga Community Center
- May 22: Lummi Nation, Stommish Grounds (on the mainland, Lummi reservation)
- 12:00 pm canoe welcoming
- 4:00 pm Potlatch dinner @ Wex’liem Community Center on the reservation
Everyone is welcome at any point during the journey, whether on the beach, in the kitchen, or at the table sharing a meal. An integral part of a potlatch is to witness the songs, dances, prayers, and testimonies of the various tribal communities. Please consider a trip to the islands or a trip to the reservation to honor these native traditions. These are family-friendly events and all are welcome!
by Carrie Bowman, Indigenous Connections Team