[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1212-E1213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THE QUINAULT INDIAN NATION IN HOSTING THE 
               ``PADDLE TO QUINAULT'' 2013 CANOE JOURNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Quinault 
Indian Nation and the Quinault Canoe Society in their efforts to host 
the 2013 Canoe Journey. This annual event revitalizes the cultural 
practice of canoeing for Indian Nations and communities throughout the 
Salish Sea Region. Our region is a stronger region because of its 
diversity and its rich history. It is important to come together to 
celebrate not only what we do but who we are and where we've been.
  In 1989, Emmit Oliver, a Quinault Tribal elder, organized the 
``Paddle to Seattle'' as a part of the Washington State Centennial 
Ceremony. This event celebrated Tribal canoe cultures that once 
traveled and hunted using dugout canoes. The success of the event 
inspired the annual Canoe Journey, which officially began in 1995. 
Since then, Tribal leaders and community members have traveled from 
along the West Coast each year to continue this celebration of past 
traditions. Today, I am honored to help Quinault Indian Nation 
President Fawn Sharp in welcoming the 2013 fleet of canoes into Point 
Grenville.
   Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the effort to revitalize and 
maintain the cultural practices of Indian Nations. This year, Tribal 
delegations hailing from the Western United States, Canada, Hawaii, and 
New Zealand will take part in this historic journey. Upwards of 10,000 
people are estimated to await the incoming paddlers and partake in the 
subsequent ceremonies. The festivities will serve to teach younger 
generations the skill of canoeing, to strengthen and instill pride, and 
reinforce cultural knowledge. I applaud all the efforts of members of 
the Quinault Indian Nation, neighboring Tribes, and the greater Grays 
Harbor Community who have made this year's Canoe Journey possible.
   As I close, I can say with certainty that the ``Paddle to Quinault'' 
has greatly benefited our community and I am pleased to recognize the 
efforts of all involved during this weeklong celebration, today, in the 
United States Congress.

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