The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is the proud host of the Annual Tribal Canoe Journeys for 2025 and we are ramping up to welcome you to our territory to Potlatch with us.

Landing is on July 31, 2025. Protocol & Celebration takes place between August 1-5, 2025.

The revival of the canoes happened during the Centennial celebration for Washington State and the highways of our ancestors have been re-opened with an annual tribal canoe journeys. It was during this time in 1989 that Mr. Frank Brown, Heiltsuk Nation challenged all canoes to Paddle to Bella Bella, BC! From that point on, we continued to regain the gift of the cedar tree, the canoes and our ancestral highways; As we continue to follow the teachings of our ancestors, we will heal through our experiences on the journey of our sacred vessels. We look forward to working with each of the canoe families that will be making their way to Lower Elwha!!

háʔnəŋ cən há (thank you)

"Dear cherished volunteers, we look forward to working with you in our hosting of: Paddle to Elwha 2025 Canoe Journey. Before we can get to the fun there are a few items of business to take care of. They are the following:

Review and signing the Volunteer Packet
WA State Background Check
Pre-screen to satisfy section VI Volunteers in Contact with Children and Elders; Background Check Required

This is going to be huge event for our Tribal Community. We want to ensure that not only our community and guests are safe but our volunteers in kind. We hope that this isn't taken on a personal level, it's for the highest level of safety.

These items can be emailed to our general volunteer email inbox at [email protected]. This email inbox is accessed by pertinent employees only so we can ensure that your information is secure.

For any questions or concerns please reach out to HR Professional/Canoe Journey Food Coordinator, Brandy Williams, at [email protected]."

Thank you!
Brandy Williams

The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe welcomes you to join us as a vendor for the Paddle to Elwha 2025. As we prepare to host this incredible gathering, we invite artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors to share their gifts with the many families, paddlers, and guests who will arrive in our homelands.

For generations, trade has been a vital part of our way of life, our people have gathered along these ancestral highways to share culture, knowledge, and handmade goods. As we come together once more, we honor these traditions by creating space for Indigenous and local vendors to showcase their work. From traditional arts and handcrafted regalia to delicious foods that nourish the body and spirit, this is an opportunity to share, celebrate, and support one another.

If you are interested in being a vendor at Paddle to Elwha 2025, we encourage you to sign up today. Spaces are limited, and we look forward to working with each of you to ensure a meaningful and successful experience.