Swinomish Canoe Journey

A spectacular site greeted participants and guests as more than 80 canoes paddled from all parts of the Puget Sound to arrive near LaConnor, Washington. The Journey culminated in dance, song, art, and a feast of salmon on the shores of the Swinomish Tribal Community. This was said to be the largest gathering yet of canoes and Native peoples from around the region, including participants from as far away as Hawai’i and New Zealand. “Native Arts & Cultures Foundation salutes the many Native nations, family canoe pullers, and the Swinomish people for hosting a wonderful celebration,” said NACF President and CEO Lulani Arquette (Native Hawaiian). “The NACF family was very proud to be among the guests taking part in the festivities and grateful to share in the tremendous hospitality of the Swinomish Community.”

“We also want to express our deep gratitude to Elaine and Vern Lovelace, who welcomed us aboard their boat, the Island Dancer, for our trip to Swinomish,” said Lulani. “We had a wonderful time and will always remember this beautiful trip.”

“These gifts demonstrate strong tribal interest in creating a powerful funding engine for protecting and preserving Native art and culture—the very cornerstones of tribal sovereignty. A foundation of this nature will help reverse the long history of government suppression of Native culture done as part of the United States' assimilation program. Through gifts of this nature, Indian Country can direct its resources to protect what is closest to home to all Indian tribes—our own cultures."

Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee

Board Chair, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation

Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee

Of counsel, Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C.

Swinomish Canoe Journey

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees