“Tribal Journey, Part 3: Kwumut Lelum” SAMAQAN Season 3 Episode 34

What began with the Heiltsuk First Nation's building of a canoe, the first in over 150 years, and paddling it to Vancouver for EXPO '86 has become a movement reviving the ocean-going canoe tradition on the West Coast. In 1993, the Heiltsuk's Qatuwas Festival journey saw 14 canoes paddle to Bella Bella. Enthusiasm has grown and now there are annual tribal journeys in the Pacific Northwest. In the spirit of ‘qatuwas’ which means ‘people gathering together’, these tribal journeys bring together people of all ages and reconnect them on the water with the traditional ways of their ancestors. The journeys can take several weeks and build fortitude, stamina, identity and self-esteem for participants. One of the canoe families taking part in the Tribal Journeys is Kw'umut Lelum on Snuneymuxw territory, Vancouver Island. This Aboriginal-based child and family services organization considers tribal journey to play an important role in healing, helping children find their connection to ways of their ancestors and to the water. Elder Willie Seymour, of the Kw'umut Lelum canoe family, teaches that respect is the main rule in life, and it begins with self-respect. With self-respect comes the restoration of dignity and confidence and leads to respect for others, the elements and nature. The children are guided by Elder Willie Seymour and support boat operator Arnie Robinson along their journey on the water.

This documentary from “SAMAQAN: Water Stories” Series 3, looks deeper at water's role in culture, spirituality and life itself for North America's First Nations people.

Directed by: Marianne Jones, Jeff Bear
Produced by: Marianne Jones, Kristy Assu, Jeff Bear