On July 1, some 40 people from the Sunshine Coast began their own Pulling Together canoe adventure.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of this cultural canoe journey that involves members of the public, public service and First Nations people from all over B.C. Three canoes from the Sunshine Coast participated, Spirit Within, which belongs to School District No. 46, Dolphin Spirit, belonging to the Gibsons Paddle Club and Spirit of Our Grandmothers, belonging to Barb Higgins, a Sechelt elder, and her canoe family.
The contingent consisted of a member of the Sunshine Coast RCMP, citizens of the Coast representing varied professions and, of course, youth and adults from the Sunshine Coast. Some of the youth were not of the First Nations culture; others were from the Sechelt Indian Band.
During a nine-day journey, participants visited such First Nations communities as Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam, Tsawwassen and the Semiahmoo Reserve.
These journeys are not just "canoe trips." Rather they are cultural and emotional journeys for all who participate. None were disappointed. If you know someone who was on the journey, just ask, and be prepared to sit and listen for a long time.
