You are invited to a special inter-island tribal canoe journey “The Esqaplh etse Kwelengsen (Gathering of the Eagles).” This grassroots journey will follow ancestral highways beginning May 22 through May 27 traditional territories of Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas Islands. Our Motto is: Moving forward in hope, healing, honor, happiness, and hospitality.

We expect a dozen indigenous canoe families from the Salish Sea, Portland, Seattle, and Maui to celebrate with islanders at every stop-0over to share songs and dances in the Hope of inspiring the next generation of community building & organizing.

Arrival times at 3 p.m.

• May 22, Lopez Island, Odlin County Park

• May 23, San Juan Island, arrival near Shipyard Cove, camping at Fairgrounds

• May 25-27, Camp Orkila on Orcas Island

• May 27, Lummi Nation weekend potlatch

• May 28, with a Special Honoring of Se Sealth (Jewell Praying Wolf James) with his friends and family beginning at 12 p.m. at the Wex li em Community Center, 2100 Lummi View Drive, Belllingham WA.

Want to volunteer?

• Lopez: Judy Meyer (judymeye@gmail.com) and Kai Sanburn (kaisanburn@gmail.com).

• SJI: Matt Wickey kaiganiwaa@gmail.com (360)440-5927

• Orcas: David Turnoy (360) 317-8392 davidgeri@rockisland.com

• Support Boat: Dave Roseberry (360)298-2940

• Freddie Lane (phreddielane@gmail.com) 360-391-7560.

• Stephanie Buffum (sbuffum4@gmail.com) 360-472-0404

More information can be found at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/348680987204571 or search Facebook for Esqaplh etse Kwelengsen (Gathering of the Eagles).

Go to kloi.org to hear an interview with Freddie and Stephanie about the event.

Want to Donate?

• Housing for elders, support boats, funding for camp rental and meals are all needed.

• Donations can be made to Friends of the San Juans for this event. Contact (360)378-2319 or Jess@sanjuans.org

• Go Fund Me at https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-lopez-welcome-for-canoe-families-may-22-2022.