07/28/2026
Pausing a moment to reflect on the Summer so far. As soon as the dugout was water ready, we took it to the lower snake canoe paddle hosted by Xhimstonik and were able to paddle with many different paddlers through a variety of conditions and our elder brother performed excellently. Since then we have paddled it solo, tandem and with a variety of groups here at the lake and I am guessing it has travelled approximately 150 miles. We have had summer camp staff groups out for team building, native youth groups out to connect with their ancestral waters and with one another, and we recently held a canoe day followed by a naming ceremony and a feast for our canoe.
Through the carving process, many connections, friendships, and relations were naturally deepened or created, human and non-human, seen and unseen. Many of these connections were with people and groups that I had been meaning to build relations with but never had the time over these last 11 years, but once the canoe began, they started unfolding almost effortlessly on their own accord. I feel that this culmination is a huge step in our life's efforts and made possible through the power of this canoe.
From this experience, the name that came out for this vessel of connection, is, Sapalaxsimithla, "One who causes oneness". We feel blessed and honored for all who were able to witness and join us.
As we look forward, we are now in the phase of improving the necessary infrastructure that makes our offerings possible in todays world such as storage and workshop space, a reliable vehicle for towing canoes, horses, and camps around, trailers, and planning for future events and camps.
A portion of our work is made possible by donations and grants, so if you wish to join together in these efforts, consider a one-time, or monthly contribution by going to our fiscal sponsor website at www.coveascensionschool.com, clicking the donate button at the top of the page, and selecting "Caretakers of the Land" in the drop-down menu. All proceeds go 100% towards our efforts to carry forward these highly significant cultural arts and activities.
Kwathlanuushamatash! Thank you all!
