The Nelson stop of the Canoe Journey offers community members the chance to paddle alongside the traditional dugout canoes, discover the secrets of nature in our medicinal plant workshop, and enjoy live performances by Sinixt Members.

The Canoe Journey is a powerful assertion of the belief that Indigenous peoples of the region are stewards of the river and the salmon—one of their first foods. This journey highlights the vital connection between their language, culture, and the natural environment.

This event offers a transformative opportunity for the (Sinixt) Snayckstx/Arrow Lakes and Colville people (Snʕayckstx and Sxʷyʔiłp) to reconnect with their language, traditional territories, and waterways. The Salmon Ceremony, a traditional and spiritual practice, addresses the needs of both the people and the environment. This may be one of the most significant moments in history to amplify the Indigenous community’s voice regarding our shared responsibility to the land, waters, and natural environment.

Last year’s journey spanned 272 miles, from the Head Waters of the Columbia River at Revelstoke and Two Rivers, Washington, on the Spokane Indian Reservation, culminating at the Kettle Falls Fishery and traditional Salmon Ceremony site.

This year’s sponsors are:

Columbia Power Corporation, West Kootenay Regional Arts Council, Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery, The Capitol Theatre, Real Estate Foundation of BC, The Nelson Chamber of Commerce, Lalin Vocal Ensemble, Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, VIDEA, BC Arts Council, The City of Nelson, Canadian Heritage, The Hume Hotel.

Below is a full list of free community opportunities. Be sure to find the separate events on this website for the Plant Workshop (taking place upstairs at The Station) and the afternoon and evening events (taking place at the Capitol Theatre) to register and/or get free tickets!

June 16

Morning

Paddlers arrive at Lakeside Park (across from concession building)
Craft tables at Lakeside Park – Rotary Shelter

10:00AM – NOON – Indigenous Plant Workshop @ at THE INNOVATION CENTRE ON THE MAIN FLOOR OF “THE STATION” (91 Baker Street)
TO REGISTER, PLEASE SEE SEPARATE EVENT ON THIS WEBSITE

Led by: Faith Zacharle and Rob Crandall
Join us for a hands-on plant fibre processing and traditional medicine making workshop led by Sinixt knowledgeable keeper Faith Zacherle and native plant specialist Rob Crandall. Learn about traditional plant uses and their significance to the Sinixt people. This workshop is a unique opportunity to connect with indigenous culture and deepen your understanding of local flora.

This event is free and open to all members of the public to attend, however space is limited to 25 participants, so sign up soon to secure your spot!

3:00PM – 5:00PM – Canoe Journey: Afternoon Event @ the Capitol Theatre
FOR FREE TICKETS, PLEASE SEE SEPARATE EVENT ON THIS WEBSITE

Introduction Janice Morrison, Mayor
Welcome by Shelly Boyd and Cindy Marchand
Film screening: Resist Reframe
Film screening: Beyond Bigbie
Storyteller: Dan Nanamkin
Spoken Word Artist and Poet: Stevey Seymour
Film screening: Scattered Roots
Spoken word artist James Pakootas
Film screening: Calling the Salmo Home
Film screening: Canoe Journey
Q&A with Filmmaker Derrick LaMere

7:00PM – 8:30PM Canoe Journey: Evening Event @ the Capitol Theatre
Concert: Tony Louie with James Pakootas and CarliAnn Forthun Bruner (multi-media presentation, “Coming Home”)
FOR FREE TICKETS, PLEASE SEE SEPARATE EVENT ON THIS WEBSITE

Introduction for event: Brittny Anderson
Welcome by Shelly Boyd and Cindy Marchand
Spoken Word Artist: James Pakootas
Singer/Songwriter: Tony Louie

June 17

10:00AM – NOON

10:00AM: meet at Lakeside Park and paddle to view pictographs and hold ceremony – Community is invited to join in/on non-motorized boats/boards, launch point for Sinixt canoes at Lakeside Park or end of airfield at Nelson Recycling Depot (Lakeside Drive) depending on weather.