Aug, 3, 2007
PEOPLE
Paddlers think pink about cancer
Project offers women support and guidance
DANNY GAWLOWSKI THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Paddlers on the Pink Paddle Project canoe of Lower Elwha Klallam travel from Mukilteo to Tulalip on July 27 on their way to Lummi. The Pink Paddle Project was formed by breast cancer survivors to raise awareness about all types of cancer.
What: Annual Intertribal Canoe Journey, featuring cultural events, crafts, food, etc., at Lummi Nation for first time.
Who: Native canoe groups from Alaska, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
Why: Renewal of ancient potlatch tradition of canoe journeys, ceremonial feasts and gift giving; connecting tribal youth with the traditions of their peoples.
IF YOU GO
When: Through Sunday.
Where: Lummi Stommish Grounds on Lummi View Drive, one mile south of ferry terminal.
Who’s invited: Everyone.
Parking: Likely to be in short supply.
Transit: No. 50 WTA bus from downtown to Gooseberry Point, where shuttle service is available to Stommish Grounds; last bus leaves Gooseberry Point at 6 p.m.
Food: The Lummis host a free public dinner through Saturday starting about 6 each evening. Various concessions also available for purchase.
Donations: The Lummis have asked the community for donations to help feed the thousands of people attending the event. Contact Beth Brownfield to offer volunteer help or donations of cash, food, etc.: 738-8899 or bethbrownf@aol.com.
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AMY HARDER
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
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LUMMI RESERVATION — Rose Wilson shaved her head two weeks ago, leaving some hair shaped as a “9,” in preparation for the Intertribal Canoe Journey from Port Angeles.
Wilson, a member of Lower Elwha Klallam, is a member of another select group — survivors of breast cancer. She’s been cancer-free for nine years now.
“My kids thought I was crazy, but I did it anyhow,” Wilson, 49, said. “It’ll grow back.”
Wilson participated in the journey for the second time with the Pink Paddle Project, a program started by fellow tribal member Birdie Kimberly two years ago.
The project offers guidance for Native American women with breast cancer, through support groups and providing information about treatment and early detection, Kimberly said.
“Indian women don’t talk about their illnesses,” said Kimberly, a breast cancer survivor. “It’s given them a support system they never had before.”
Wilson was the only cancer survivor to paddle the entire nine-day journey from the Olympic Peninsula, Kimberly said. Wilson was joined by eight other women and three men in the canoe, known as “Paddle for Life.”
The skipper, Harry Moon, said he was grateful for participating in the journey with the breast-cancer survivors.
“It’s a healing experience for myself,” Moon said. “I brought my son with me.”
Moon, of the Masagama Tsawataineuk tribe near Victoria, B.C., said he has lost his father and uncle to cancer in the past 10 years.
“Cancer’s cancer, whether it’s breast or lung or whatever,” Moon said.
Although Kimberly didn’t participate in the canoe journey this year, she said she will prepare for next year’s by strength training and going to physical therapy.
