Joining Confederated Tribes in Canoe Journeys

Toi Maori Media Release
Wednesday 8 July 2009
For Immediate Release

Nga Waka Federation Representatives join Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Canoe Journeys 2009.

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Two representatives Tamahou Temara, Operations Manager of Toi Maori and Francis Mamaku of Auckland will join host Bobby Mercier, Canoe Builder, Community and Ceremonial Leader from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde of Oregon, paddling to arrive at Suquamish Nation in the Puget Sounds, Washington State USA.

Native American and Canadian tribes will paddle in 100 canoes for this annual event. Tribes will start on Sunday 19 July and travel to arrive on Monday 3rd August 2009.

Several Native American tribes who’s tribal lands boarder the Puget Sounds will host the canoes during the different stages of this journey to the final destination in Suquamish territory in Southern Washington State.

The 2009 Tribal Journey is being hosted by the Suquamish Tribe from the 3-8 August 2009. The final stop in the Journey will be the Port Madison Reservation in North Kitsap County for a week of cultural events, learning adventures and family entertainment.

People attending the event can expect to be thrilled at the sight of a bay filled with canoes coming in to land. The Canoe Journey is a time of healing, hope, happiness, honour and hospitality.

The Journey began in 1989 with nine canoes as the Paddle to Seattle and continues this year in central Puget Sound with over 100 canoes expected to participate. For more information, please visit this website; http://www.tribaljourneys2009.com/

Toi Maori outcomes are to strengthen its relationship with the tribes of the Northwest Pacific Coast and develop art exchanges. The project follows the highly successful exhibition called that toured Oregon and Washington in 2005 and 2006.

Toi Maori Aotearoa is the national organisation for Maori art and artists and receives major funding from Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand.

ENDS

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