First Nations’ Lore Featured on Orca Kayaking Tour
This summer Sea to Sky Expeditions offers kayakers a tour with a special First Nations’ cultural component. Many have kayaked Johnstone Strait on Canada’s West Coast to see orcas, but have missed the opportunity to delve deeper into a culture that is integral to the area.
(PRWEB) March 30, 2005 -- This summer Sea to Sky Expeditions offers kayakers
a tour with a special First Nations’ cultural component. Many have kayaked
Johnstone Strait on Canada’s West Coast to see orcas, but have missed the
opportunity to delve deeper into a culture that is integral to the area.
Johnstone Strait, on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, is well
known as a whale watching area. It is the ideal location to observe and
photograph one of nature's truly magnificent mammals, the orca or killer whale.
Every summer, pods of various sizes, congregate in the waters of Johnstone
Strait to feed on Pacific salmon, socialize, and rub themselves on the beaches
of Robson Bight.
Lost in this annual phenomenon is the area’s rich
connection to the cultural, traditional, and historical treasures of the
Kwakwaka'wakw people. The Kwakwaka'wakw have lived in the area of Johnstone
Strait for thousands of years. Their lives, traditions, and legends are closely
linked to their west coast environment.
“We felt that a significant
ingredient that made Johnstone Strait such an interesting and important
destination was being ignored,” said Len Webster, Executive Director for Sea to
Sky. “We have arranged with Tom Sewid, the world famous native guardian and
historian, to relate the history, legends, and culture of his people, as passed
down to him by his grandfather, while visiting archeologically significant sites
not shared with most visitors.”
Tom Sewid was born of a Kwakiutl father
and Cree mother and grew up in the area of Johnstone Strait. "My greatest
education has been the elders of my family and Nation," says Tom. "I can bring
forth our history through narration. Legends, stories and modern happenings is
what captivates me, and I am constantly in pursuit of more to learn. Sitting
with the older generations Native and non-native is one of my greatest passions.
To me it cannot be classified as education because it is so exciting to hear
about things that happened in the past."
Sea to Sky Expeditions has led
sea kayaking trips into Johnstone Strait to see orcas for 17 years. They offer
special seven day sea kayaking trips, originating from Vancouver, from June to
September. Cost is $1225 US.
For more information visit their website at
http://www.canadianexpeditions.com or toll free in North
America at 1.800.990.8735 & international at 1.604.594.7701.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb222976.htm