SC’IȺNEW First Nation Canoe Family
Contact: Stacey Charles – stacey.bbfn@gmail.com
Dear Friends,
We hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. On behalf of the SC’IȺNEW First Nation Canoe Family, we are reaching out to ask for your support as we prepare to take part in Tribal Journeys 2025, happening from July 29 to August 5, 2025.
This year, we are proud to serve as a host Nation during this powerful journey, welcoming paddlers and their families into Beecher Bay on July 30. We are expecting to receive between 20 and 30 canoe families and Nations from across the west and east coasts of Vancouver island and beyond. Our hosting comes after Tsouke and Esquimalt, who will welcome the canoes into their territories on July 29.
This will be one of the most significant events our Nation has ever coordinated, bringing together communities, culture, and tradition on a scale we have never undertaken before. We are deeply honoured and excited to welcome our relatives and friends onto our shores.
The theme of this year’s journey, led by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, is “Dams Removed, Rivers Reborn, Spirits Renewed.” In the spirit of renewal, connecting, and healing, our internal SC’IȺNEW canoe family theme is “A Pull for Hope.” This year, we dedicate our journey to those impacted by cancer—pulling with love, intention, and strength for our families and loved ones.
Tribal Journeys is more than just a cultural event—it is a spiritual and community commitment. It brings together Indigenous Peoples from across the Salish Sea and Pacific Coast to paddle together, share songs and dances, practice protocol, and pass on knowledge to future generations.
To ensure our successful participation and hosting, we are seeking support from individuals, organizations, local governments, and businesses. Your contributions will help us provide:
- Meals and lodging for visiting Nations
- Safety and marine coordination for canoe arrivals in our territory
- Cultural supplies and support for protocol
- Youth engagement, volunteer support, and wellness spaces
- Departure-day-to-go meals and essential travel items
We welcome all forms of support–whether financial donations, supplies, volunteer time, transportation services, or in-kind contributions. Every offering helps bring this cultural moment to life for the hundreds of participants and youth who are the heart of this event.
If you are interested in contributing or partnering with us in any way, we would be happy to speak further about how your support will be used and how you can be a part of this meaningful journey.
Together, we can make this year’s journey a source of strength, healing, and hope for all.
With gratitude,
The SC’IȺNEW First Nation Canoe Family
*for financial support, e-transfer staceycharles955@kohotransfers.ca