Life is a Journey: Tribal Journeys

Written from the heart & inspired by the Heiltsuk Nation canoe family. A historical look at the resurgence of canoe culture on the Pacific Northwest coast. Starting in the community of Bella Bella where the Heiltsuk Nation carved a Glwa (ocean-going canoe) in 1985 and in 1986 travelled approximately 500 nautical miles from Bella Bella to Vancouver, BC for Expo '86. This was the first journey of its kind in North America in over a century. In 1989, a Heiltsuk delegation journeyed to "Paddle to Seattle" with an invitation to awaken and journey to Heiltsuk territory in celebration. With the theme: "A Stroke Towards Indigenous Unity". The challenge was made in Quileute territory to paddle 600 nautical miles to pull together as Native peoples of the Northwest Coast. Nations of the coast did not take this invitation lightly; they met the challenge of revival head on. In 1993, twenty-one canoes arrived on the shores of Bella Bella. This piece is a reflection of the importance of community and cultural connection. Spoken by a youth from the Heiltsuk Nation who partook in the restoration of the Glwa that was carved in 1985 and paddled the natural highway of her ancestors for Tribal Journeys 2013 from Bella Bella BC to Quinault, WA. Written, Narrated, & Edited by Jessica Brown Dedicated to my parents Frank & Kathy Brown who have instilled pride within my being and grounded me in love. ̓ Wálas ǧiáxsixa Special Thanks to: The Heiltsuk Canoe Family The Heiltsuk Singers -William Wasden Jr. Hilamas for the Brown family canoe song in the final credits Barb Crammer for original footage of 'Qátuẁas Tribal Journeys in Bella Bella, BC 1993