Welcome to the Squaxin Island Tribe Museum Library and Research Center.

We are honored by your presence.

Its Summer and the annual Canoe Journey is just around the corner!

The History of Tribal Journeys
The resurgence of the Canoe Nations has created an incoming tide of traditional teachings.

 “The Teachings of our Ancestors” is strong when our songs, stories, artwork, drumming and dancing are woven tightly together. The teachings of our ancestors are continually updated by succeeding generations and revised to reflect contemporary issues and problems. Perspective comes from the spirit and values that have been carried forward from past generations.

Tribal Journeys began in 1989, intending to coincide with the centennial celebration for Washington State. A total of nine canoes participated in the ‘Paddle to Seattle’, and in 1993, 23 canoes participated in the ‘Paddle to Bella Bella.’ Since 1993, ‘Tribal Journeys’ or ‘The Paddle’ has been held on an annual basis, with various tribes serving as the host tribe.

Past Tribal Journeys
1989 – Seattle
1993 – Bella Bella, B.C.
1994 – Youth Paddle (Olympia)
1995/1996 – Full Circle Youth Paddle (Puget Sound)
1997 – La Push
1998 – Puyallup
1999 – Ahousaht, B.C.
2000 – Songees, B.C. and Pendleton, OR
2001 – Squamish, B.C.
2002 – Quinault
2003 – Tulalip
2004 – Chemanius, B.C.
2005 – Elwha
2006 – Muckleshoot
2007 – Lummi
2008 – Cowichan
2009 – Suquamish
2010 – Makah
2011 – Swinomish
2012 – Squaxin Island
2013 – Quinault
2014 – Bella Bella
2015 – Muckleshoot
2016 – Nisqually
2017 – Campbell River Canada
2018 – Puyallup Tribe

Youth paddles
2014 – Suquamish
2015 – Muckleshoot