First launched in 1989 as a celebration of Indigenous peoples' highly sophisticated relationship with the ocean, Tribal Journeys is one of the most prominent cultural events associated with the North American Indigenous Games. The largest-ever Tribal Journeys Canoe Voyage is set to mark the beginning of the 2008 Games.

As many as 80 traditional ocean-going canoes, from a variety of canoe cultures and nations, will make a two-week journey to Cowichan, travelling from as far north as the Alaskan border (Tlinget) and the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida) and as far south as Oregon State.

Their journey ends as they pull into Cowichan Bay. There they will be received into Cowichan territory with a traditional Coast Salish Welcome, a ceremony symbolic of ancient times when one nation would travel into the territory of another, reminding us of the importance of the sharing of culture and respect for Indigenous people all over the world.

Dates: Landing day is Monday, July 28th, 2008.
Protocol will continue until August 1, 2008.
Contact: Dawnda Nahanee, Tribal Journey Coordinator:
(250) 746 - 2008 ext 247