Q: When did the Canoe Journeys celebration start?

A: Tribes and First Nations have traveled by canoe and gathered for celebrations for thousands of years. The canoe tradition faded with the use of motorboats in the late 1800's. Through the 1970's and mid-1980's, the canoe culture began a revival with Tribes traveling from one nation to another.  The first official Canoe Journey annual celebration as it is known today began in 1989 with the Paddle to Seattle as part of Washington State’s Centennial celebration.

Q: What are the canoes made from and how are they made?

A: Dugout canoes are formed from hollowed out logs. The type of wood used depends on the trees available in the region. The canoe design features high sides and ends to help keep the vessel from taking on water in rough seas. Canoe styles vary from tribe to tribe and each canoe takes skill to produce.

Q: How many Canoe Families participate and where do they come from?

A: Canoe Families from the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska and Canada, participate in the annual events. Canoe Journeys are one of the largest traditional gatherings of indigenous people anywhere in the world with Native peoples traveling from Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and South America. As many as 84 canoes from 50 tribes and Canadian First Nation groups have participated in recent journeys. Host tribes have fed and accommodated over 10,000 people in the final week of welcoming ceremonies, which includes traditional drumming, dancing, and songs. Many tribes organize their summer activities around Canoe Journeys.

Q: Who is invited to participate in the Canoe Journey?

A: Many events are open to the public and the spirit of Canoe Journey is for all native peoples to share in its transforming experiences. Tribal Nations are responsible for their canoes and whom they invite in. We also have to keep in mind, all the food, resources and planning that is involved with effectively and equally servicing and caring for all Canoe Families and guests.

Q: How can I help support the Canoe Journey?

A: Greetings to all participants and supporters! We are truly excited and honored to be the host for the 2026 canoe journey.  We will not be successful without volunteers; therefore we encourage you to consider being a major part by supporting Paddle to Nisqually this year. Click here to sign up as a volunteer. Or help contribute to Canoe Journey here.

Q: Will commemorative Paddle to Nisqually items be available for purchase during the Canoe Journey?

A: Yes, sweatshirts, t-shirts, stadium chairs, folding camp chairs, beach towels, jackets and more will be available for purchase at both the Canoe Journey Landing at the during Protocol at the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Look for the Official Nisqually Merchandise tent offering items to purchase.

Q: How can I help ensure the safety and respect of the Canoe Journey?

A: One person out of a thousand can hurt others by stealing, substance abuse or fighting. We must keep in mind the journey towards healing and recovery of culture, traditional knowledge and spirituality. What a host Tribal Nation provides to support the Canoe Journey is a gift; it is appropriate to express gratitude to hosts. It is one of our first considerations to recognize, respect and care for our Tribal Elders in helping them participate.

Q: Where do I go for Lost and Found items during the Protocol event?

A: Look for the Public Safety command center tent at the Nisqually Tribe Protocol site. Also note, both Canoe Journey Volunteers and Nisqually Staff will be wearing brightly colored and labeled T-shirts to help assist with event coordination.

Q: What are the dates of the 2026 Canoe Journey?

A: Will take place July 31^st through August 5^th, 2026. 

Q: Why is it preferred to be called "pulling" instead of "paddling" the canoe?

A: Pulling is the preferred term because of the pulling motion on the paddle where you push your top hand forward and pull your bottom hand back on the canoe paddle. Canoe Family members in the canoe are more commonly referred to as Canoe Pullers.

Q: Can I fly my drone during protocol and the landings?

A: The Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Reservation and Sequalitchew Creek canoe landing site are both located within a highly complex FAA-regulated airspace, characterized by significant aircraft activity. Operating drones in this area poses safety and legal liability risks to the Tribe as well as raising privacy concerns for visiting Canoe Families and other guests. All drone operators must obtain pre-approval from the Nisqually Indian Tribe and potentially Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Q: Where can I go around here to wash my clothes?

A: Click here is a list of nearby laundromats. Please note that everyone is responsible for covering the cost of their own laundry.

Q: Which hotels have partnership offerings available for those participating in the Canoe Journey?

A: Click here for a list of Hotel Partner Offerings. These hotels are located in Yelm, Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Rochester, Centralia.

Q: Will there be Public Access to Sequalitchew Canoe Journey Landing Site?

A: Unlike Nisqually Tribe’s 2016 hosting of Canoe Journey, public access to the landing area at Sequalitchew will be more limited due to the size of the site. The trail to the beach is 1.5 miles one-way. A tunnel under the railroad bridge starts access to the beach area which is rough with old pilings and cement.

Priority will be given to Nisqually Tribal Elders, Nisqually Tribal and other Tribal Members from Canoe Journey tribes making the trip. Details of public access and numbers are still being worked out and will be updated. There will also be live streaming viewing sites of the landing, including Dupont City Hall. Updates for viewing locations will also be forthcoming.

This beach is significant to the Nisqually Tribe as part of a village site. Thank you for your patience and understanding.