All Nations Canoe Gathering

Come out to this free event and discover a significant piece of First Nation’s culture. Watch as beautiful cedar dugout canoes paddle into False Creek from Kits Point to Science World and are welcomed in a traditional ceremony to the Coast Salish lands.

Reconciliation Canada recognizes and honors the cultural and spiritual aspects of the dugout canoes and the healing they bring to the people. This canoe day was initiated for First Nations to paddle their canoe into False Creek where a traditional protocol of welcome will occur by local First Nation tribes known as the host. Indian residential school survivors will partake in the water that day and paddle up for protocol for recognition and honor. This is a unique “All Nations” Canoe Gathering that invites Dragon boats and traditional kayaks to join in the day’s event.

The cultural significance of the canoe movement is the resurgence of songs, dances, names, language and teachings. What was dormant for so long woke up with a bang and the people responded. Since the resurgence of the canoes the participation has grown from under 20 canoes in 1989 to present day where there is up to 110 canoes that attend these cultural tribal journeys.

Reconciliation Canada’s All Nations Canoe Gathering is unlike any event Vancouver has seen and will be an amazing opening to the Week of Reconciliation.

For updated info on this event, visit Reconciliation Canada.