Qwyano 2019 Canoe journeys

Many have asked us to explain in English what our canoe family name means, this is difficult because the words do not translate well. The closest approximation is: Ones of our Essence, Soul or Spirit.
We honour our Elders and the vision taught to us about belonging, connection, and relating. It is with much joy I share our new Canoe family flag. We will be flying it with pride and Inclusion to remind the world of our canoe family core world view: Q W Y A N O !!!

We now have a modified Pride flag, thanks to Laurie Perkins. It includes: symbols for Metis, neurodiversity, gender fluidity, all nations, a tree of life and prosperity the Cree symbol for two spirited, a shield for strength and protection, and our medicine in all its forms and for all of the World’s people.
We hope this inspires you in your journey of life. Please share and if you can please donate to our canoe family go fund me campaign, as it helps cover the cost to make it possible for many to make this journey possible.
Special thanks to all our many donors and our gratitude to the many hands that have helped along the way.

Help support ourYouth and Elder make this years Tribal canoe Journeys 2019.


We are comprised of: Cree, Metis, Nakota, and Shuswap Nations--descendants of Oklahoma Choctaw and West Virginia Cherokee--Military Veterans, Elders, Youth, as well. We hail from the head-waters of the Fraser River in the northern Kanata Rockies to the Village of the Caribou, from Texas, Oklahoma, & the Dakotas—Ireland, Scotland, England and Turkey. Our family includes all those who strive for healing, connection, growth, and respect.
This year we are joined by our aborigenines from Austrialia and New Zealand.

An entire Generation is being raised seeing traditional canoes and indigenous ways as daily happening. They are back on the water, on the land eating traditional foods, and sharing their living culture. This is a movement that has far reaching implications, not just for those on the Salish Sea, but from all over Turtle Island, and around the world; awakening all to an indigenous way of being.

Tribal Journeys is a truly unique opportunity. It enables healing, reconnection, recognition, and growth for our Youth, our Elders, and our Communities as a whole, while addressing the negative effects of colonization, abuse, and negligence upon indigenous peoples. We aspire to reclaim who we are as a people and resist that which we are not.

We ask that you make a small donation and challenge your friends and relations to match your funds. Please help circulate this request in a good way.