Families: Witness Native American canoe ceremony in Blaine

After a four-day journey, people in three handmade tribal canoes will paddle in to Telescope Beach at Marine Park in Blaine at 1 p.m. Friday, July 24.

Spectators are welcome to witness a two-day ceremony in which the G’ana’k’w Canoe Family, and Lummi Nation and Semiahmoo Nation members will paddle the canoes to the beach after first visiting Swinomish Nation, Lummi Nation and Sucia Marine State Park.

When the paddlers arrive in Blaine, they will perform traditional rituals associated with canoes and with arriving in new places.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25, there will be a potlatch the community is welcome to attend. There will be speakers, singing, dancing, and gift giving.

To volunteer, contribute, or ask questions, contact Ron Snyder or Cathy Taggett at 360-305-8231 or 360-332-8082, or by email at circleoftrees@wildblue.net.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 5:01 AM with the headline "Families: Witness Native American canoe ceremony in Blaine."