25 Years of Paddling Toward Reconciliation in B.C.

Twelve canoes glided into Coquitlam shores this week, carrying paddlers who believe reconciliation happens one stroke at a time.

The 25th annual Pulling Together Canoe Journey brought together more than 220 people from August 15 to 22, paddling through the traditional territories of numerous First Nations along British Columbia's Fraser River. Indigenous community members, youth, police officers, and government workers shared canoes and campsites as they traveled from Agassiz to Tsawwassen.

Verna Kate Smith, co-chair of this year's planning committee, celebrated a special moment when the Tsawwassen First Nation joined the journey for the first time in years. "There are a few others that will hopefully come and join us one day," she said. "No rush on them; they'll come back when they are ready."

The journey stops at multiple First Nations territories along the way. Paddlers camped at Kwikwetlem First Nation and visited Katzie First Nation's Barnston Island before heading to Wellington Point in Delta. At each stop, participants share meals, stories, and cultural traditions that strengthen bonds between communities.

This year's theme, "Reclaiming Our Waters," holds special meaning for the anniversary celebration. The Tsawwassen First Nation hosted a Legacy Culture Day on August 20 to mark 25 years of the journey bringing people together. Participants performed traditional "paddles up" ceremonies to honor host nations along their route.

The Ripple Effect

What started as inspiration from a 1997 Vision Quest Journey has grown into a powerful annual tradition. Since 2001, the event has connected Indigenous communities with organizations including the RCMP, Vancouver Police, Royal Canadian Navy, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and universities like Simon Fraser.

Betty Kruger-Cardenas, president of the Pulling Together Canoe Society, explained the journey's lasting impact. "As we paddle together, work together, and camp together, we also learn together, which strengthens our relationships and hopefully lays the foundation for a better future for all of us."

The physical challenge of paddling builds trust in ways that conference rooms never could. Sharing the work of navigating waters, setting up camps, and preparing meals creates genuine connections across different backgrounds and communities.

Members of the Sts'ailes First Nation, where this year's journey began, thanked participants for visiting their territory and acknowledged how the event builds bridges between Indigenous Peoples, police, and government agencies. Each year adds another layer of understanding and mutual respect.

Quarter of a century later, these canoes carry more than paddlers—they carry hope for continued healing and stronger communities across British Columbia.