Wednesday, July 27, 2011

In the July 27, 2011 issue...



Paddle to Swinomish
Despite the pouring rain, thousands of spectators lined both sides of the Swinomish Channel to watch dozens of Native American canoes come ashore Monday afternoon.


This was the first time in the 26-year history of the Coast Salish canoe rendezvous that Swinomish has been the destination. On Monday, about 75 canoes each carrying 12 to 20 people were welcomed ashore.



  Photo by Kirsten Morse
Spectators were treated to a feast for the eyes with the spectacular canoe landings.
Photo by Don Coyote
Even so, the rain didn't wash off all the smiles, even after days of paddling.


 Photo by Ben Davidson
And how wet was it? Soaking wet!
  
The Powwow continues until Sunday, with some unique Native American arts and crafts booths, food and, most spectacular the "protocols" the traditional songs, drumming, dancing and storytelling the visiting tribes are presenting each day in the big tent starting at 10 a.m.  
From the Police Blotter:
5:22 p.m.: Disorderly – A man staying at a hotel on North First Street, La Conner, was hanging out a window overlooking a parking lot yelling and ranting about things that were not actually occurring. He was arrested by deputies.
  
The paper is on sale at the new Chevron in Swinomish village, at the La Conner gas station,  liquor store, book store, drug store, produce market, in our office on Morris Street and in the red news stands in town.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Canoe Journey Vids

Here are a few short clips from Canoe Journey, Paddle to Swinomish 2011. These were taken at the soft landing south of the Rainbow Bridge, at the Rainbow Beach in Shelter Bay. Here, canoe skippers and pullers were able to get out, stretch, get snacks, and take bathroom breaks.





Canoe Journey updates ...

Here is a link, courtesy of Steve Roberts, to a webcam offering a live view of Swadabs park, where the canoes will land Monday starting at about 2 p.m. Landing webcam

Sunday practice
July 24, 2011
   Today was the dress rehearsal for the protocol presentation of dancing, singing and drumming with Swinomish youth. Starting Tuesday, each Canoe Family tribe will perform a protocol with their own traditional songs, stories and dances. The Swinomish protocol will be the last one performed on Sunday, July 31.
 Photos by Kirsten Morse

 Photos by Kirsten Morse

Friday Swadabs Park dedication

Photo by Anna Ferdinand

Friday, July 22, 2011

Swadabs Park dedication...

Swinomish Tribal Chairman Brian Cladoosby unveiled the plaque at the new Swadabs Park on during its dedication on Friday. Three cedar hat shaped pavilions make up the eye-catching centerpiece of the park. More than 100 canoes are expected to land on shore in front of the new pavilions on Monday.


Photos by Anna Ferdinand

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

In the July 20, 2011 issue...


Canoe Journey
2009 file photo by Annabelle Vergne
    In today's paper find everything you want to know about Canoe Journey 2011, Paddle to Swinomish. We are expecting thousands of guests in town on Monday to see the spectacular landing of more than 100 Coast Salish family canoes followed by a whole week of celebration. 
    Also in today's paper is your free copy of the full-color 36-page Canoe Journey souvenir program packed with information and including a wonderful history article on canoes and the Salish culture written by Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Archivist Theresa L. Trebon. 

file photo by Mary Evitt
The Swinomish Family Canoe, left, and the Salmon Dancer Swinomish Family Canoe during their practice landings in May.

 photo by Ann Smock, courtesy of KeeYoks
    New this year! The third Swinomish Family Canoe, Natasha Yakanak's Swaltcelitca upside e, joins the journey this year. 
    Natasha graduated from La Conner High School in June and writer Anna Ferdinand has the story in today's paper about the young woman's life journey and her spiritual home on the water.  



Ragnar's coming

    The annual Ragnar Relay race from Blaine to the southern tip of Whidbey Island will be running through La Conner during the wee hours late Friday and early Saturday. Writer Alexander Kramer has the story about La Conner's "home team" in this race. For the first time a La Conner couple is in the race. Find out who's running in today's paper.


From the Police Blotter:
11:22 a.m.: Trespassing – A transient was reported to be sleeping in front of the old hardware store building on Morris Street in La Conner. Deputies called the property owner and determined that nobody had permission to be on the premises and that anyone there would be trespassing. When deputies went to the closed business, they found several suitcases but the transient was not around. Deputies left a note advising the person they were trespassing. The person later moved on.

The paper is on sale on the usual stores and in the news stands -- This week's paper is fat with the Canoe Journey souvenir program inside.