Stuart Mowitch drags a canoe back to the dock after taking 11 people on a trip around Deep Lake during the 4th annual Canoe Families celebration Saturday afternoon in Millersylvania State Park.
Local tribes invite others to join them for rides in their wood-dugout canoes this June, as well as engage with tribal music, storytelling, crafts and a traditional meal.
The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program invites the public to the Fifth Annual Canoe Families Celebration, hosted by the Chehalis, Nisqually, Puyallup and Skokomish Canoe Families from, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 1, at the Deep Lake Boat Launch area in Millersylvania State Park.
The canoe ride and children’s activities will be free, while the salmon and fry bread meal will be available for purchase at $10. There will be also be free hot dogs and s’mores on hand.
The purpose of all of this is to raise awareness of the rich cultural traditions and heritage of the tribes, honoring their deep connections to Washington’s natural land and waterscape.
June 1 is a free admission day all state parks in observance of National Trails Day.
Call 360-902-8626, 360-675-3767 or 800-833-6388 for special accommodations regarding those with disabilities.
