Since 1989, Pacific Northwest tribes have held a traditional summer canoe gathering, by invitation, in various communities on the U.S. and Canadian West Coast. This year the host tribe was our neighbors, the Puyallup Tribe. On July 27, they landed at Federal Way’s Dash Point State Park.

As the canoes approached, we began to see flashing, which was the wet, wooden paddles glistening in the sun. These were traditional, carved, cedar canoes paddled here, over several weeks, from each tribe’s home. We saw at least 70 to 80 canoes of different tribes land over the afternoon, some with crews of up to 20 paddlers. It was snapshot of history.

The Paddle to Puyallup event continues at Chief Leschi School in Puyallup through Aug. 4. Check the schedule of events at paddletopuyallup.org. Daily protocols scheduled at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. are when each tribe has an opportunity to take the floor, sharing stories, dances and songs.

The website is showing this live on the internet and also has a menu to view previous protocol programs. This is a showcase for the first culture that was here and would be well-worth your time to attend, see and learn.

Aren’t we lucky to be in Federal Way and be able to see this amazing display?

Margaret Nelson

Federal Way