Free canoe rides, arts and crafts and a $10 salmon lunch
OLYMPIA – May 14, 2019 – The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program invites the public to the Fifth Annual Canoe Families Celebration at Millersylvania State Park in Olympia.
Hosted by the Chehalis, Nisqually, Puyallup and Skokomish River Road Canoe Families, the celebration runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the Deep Lake boat launch area in Millersylvania State Park, 12245 Tilley Road South, Olympia. (Driving directions.)
Throughout the day, visitors can join the Tribes’ canoe families for a ride in wood dugout canoes, share a traditional meal and engage with tribal music, storytelling and crafts. The celebration raises awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the Tribes and honors their deep connections to Washington’s lands and waters. The event is made possible by the participation of the Chehalis Tribe, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and the Skokomish Tribal Nation.
The family-friendly event will feature free canoe rides, children’s activities, a salmon and frybread meal for purchase for $10 and free hot dogs and s’mores. Proceeds from food sales support the canoe families’ participation in the annual tribal canoe journey — where tribes and first nations from the Pacific Northwest travel by canoe to different host communities along the Salish Sea. The 2019 Paddle Journey will be hosted by the Lummi Nation from July 24-28, near Bellingham. Learn more about the Paddle to Lummi at: https://paddletolummi.org/
In recognition of National Trails Day, June 1 is a State Parks free day, when visitors are not required to display a Discover Pass.
The Millersylvania event is accessible to persons with disabilities. Those needing special accommodations may call (360) 902-8626, (360) 675-3767 or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at (800) 833-6388. Requests must be made in advance.
About the Folk & Traditional Arts Program
The Canoe Families Celebration is part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, with funding provided by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Washington State Parks Foundation.
For more information about the Folk and Traditional Arts Program visit: parks.state.wa.us/folkarts, or contact Makaela Kroin, Program Coordinator, at Makaela.Kroin@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8635.
News media contacts:
Makaela Kroin, Folk and Traditional Arts Program, (360) 902-8635
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 19-025