Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Tribal Journeys 2019 Results



Our participation in the 2019 Tribal Canoe Journeys in Washington State USA was focused on building on top of the results achieved in our exchanges from the previous two years, hoping to take the inter-tribal relationships to the next level, and to ensure sustainable exchanges and activities for the future.

Johan (far left) with Hanford (center) and the Hawaiian delegation.

Before this Summer, we brought a delegation from the Tao Tribe of Orchid Island to develop a relationship with the Nisqually Tribe near Olympia, Washington. Our delegation was the guests of our gracious host, Hanford McCloud, tribal council member and Canoe family captain. This year, Hanford McCloud invited an indigenous delegation from Hawaii, and we had the privilege of experiencing the journey with them.



This year, we had more quality time with Hanford. During an interview, he shared why he chose to reach out to tribes from around the world to join his Canoe Family. He also shared his desire to bring a delegation of Nisqually in 2020. We are organizing this trip to introduce them to indigenous tribes of Taiwan and to join the Tao Tribe for a reciprocal cultural exchange.

Directors Chad Yen, Gary Smoke and Kate joined us at Final Protocol in Lummi.

 In discussing expanding the relationship with the Tao Tribe, Hanford discussed MOU's, fundraising, and suggested a shift in approach, to simplify future cooperation. By focusing on indigenous youth exchange, and working through youth-oriented non-profit programs, support would be easier to achieve. With the future exchanges fostering the relationships between the indigenous youth of Taiwan and the USA, we would be expanding their horizons as global citizens and planting the seeds for future leadership.

Nisqually Youth participate in Final Protocol in Lummi.

During our 2019 journey, we also met with leaders from the Native American leaders in Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Squaxin, Lummi in Washington State. We also met leaders from a few tribes in Oregon,  California and Canada. Our discussions about possible Sister Village relationship with tribes in Taiwan were met with positive interest. Some of the leaders also discussed interest in economic cooperation to bring sustainable industries and job for their communities.

A Hawaiian delegation performs at Final Protocol in Lummi.

Throughout the 2019 Tribal Canoe Journeys, our youth representative from Taiwan, Johan Coolidge of the Atayal Tribe, paddled with the Nisqually Canoe Family, and made friends with Native American and Hawaiian youth. His experiences were documented through video and photos to compile a library of content for an upcoming documentary film about the importance of the Tribal Canoe Journeys for indigenous youth, especially in relations to international culture exchange. We had good interviews during our trip and gathered a significant amount of content.

Meeting a canoe family from the Bay area of California in Lummi.

 All of our work this year sets the table for a very productive Tribal Journeys 2020, which will have the Final Protocol in Nanaimo, Victoria Island, BC Canada.

Final Protocol in Lummi lasted 5 days and went 24/7 to showcase the culture of every participating tribe.

Our results couldn't have been achieved without the support of our donors and volunteers. Please support the magical results that can be achieved when we build bridges between indigenous peoples. To see more photos and results, visit our Tribal Journeys web page at: https://www.indigenousbridges.org/tribaljourneys.php

More supporters and team members joined us in Lummi on July 27, 2019.