Greg McCorkle
More than 64 canoes carrying members of tribes of Northwest Native Americans departed from Alki beach early Wednesday morning July 25. The canoes were kept on the beach overnight as the tribal members journeyed to the Muckleshoot Reservation. The canoe journey is an annual event that carries members around the region to honor tradition.

SLIDESHOW: Tribal Canoe Journey departs Alki Beach; Annual event celebrates native American culture

By Patrick Robinson
07/25/2012

Northwest native Americans, from more than 40 tribes across the northwest made Alki Beach a stopping place on their annual Canoe Journey around the region.

They had come from Snoqualmie the previous day but it began on July 12 and had previously made six stops.

Today they headed for Puyallup, and according to a spokesperson on site the tribes have eight more stops to make before the journey is over. The entire journey lasts approximately one month.

It will end at Squaxin Island in Southwester Mason County, culminating in a week-long celebration and potlatch protocol. The island is home to a reservation for the Squaxin Island Tribe.

When they arrived on Tuesday morning, Mayor Mike McGinn was there to greet them.
They were the object of a lot of speculation and curiosity as beach goers examined them. Many were decorated designs, tribal flags and names. Each canoe could carry six to eight people.

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