By David Turnoy
A number of folks have been asking for a guide to the events that are part of the upcoming Canoe Journey, so I am endeavoring to provide the best information I have at this point. This is the full itinerary for the canoe families, and I am indicating where the public is welcome. Just be advised that there may still be changes later, and some of the times are only approximate.
Wednesday, May 25
7:00 Ground Crew breaks camp on San Juan Island
8:00 Canoes paddle away from SJI for Camp Orkila on Orcas Island
9:00 Low tide
1:00 Canoe Family lunch
4:00 Victory Paddle and Landing at Camp Orkila (public welcome, bring your
own chair if desired)
5:00 Dinner (Camp Orkila is serving the canoe families, public is welcome but should bring their own dinner and chairs)
6:00 Canoe Family Protocol (songs, dances, stories, gift sharing – public
welcome)
11:00 Conclusion
Thursday, May 26
8:00 Breakfast (on your own)
9:00 Travel to sacred site of Mt. Constitution
12:00 Lunch (on your own)
2:00 Afternoon storytelling with the Elders at Orcas Island Historical Museum
(public welcome)
5:00 Dinner (same as Wednesday, public welcome, bring dinner and chairs)
6:00 Canoe Family Protocol (public welcome) – concludes at 11:00
[8:00 Skippers Meeting]
11:00 Conclusion
Friday, May 27
7:00 Ground Crew breaks camp, heads to ferry
8:00 Breakfast (on your own)
9:00 Canoes depart for Lummi (could be as late as 10:00) – public welcome
If you haven’t had a chance to donate to make this event happen, here are the three ways you can contribute:
Camp Orkila – Checks should be made out to YMCA Camp Orkila. They should be mailed to: PO Box 1149 Eastsound WA 98245
They need to include a note that this is to support the Gathering of Eagles Canoe Journey. The note also needs to indicate if they need a letter from a 501c3 saying they made a donation.
We cannot do online for this as all online donations go to the general scholarship fund to be used wherever the greatest need is, not so a specific program.
Donate through Peter Fisher’s Kids and Canoes 501c3 at OICF: https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1146
Friends of the San Juans — donate either online through their website or by sending a check to FOSJ, indicating that the contribution is for the Orcas Island part of the Gathering of Eagles or Indian Canoe Journey.
Please plan on coming out to some or all of the events. If this is successful, it may become a more regular occasion. And please remember that the organizers are asking that all who attended be vaccinated.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at 360-376-4165 or at davidgeri@rockisland.com.
