Chants, cheers, laughter and screams could be heard at a secluded section of Nitinaht Lake as school children and their invited guests raced each other in Ditidaht Community School’s annual Paddle Day event.
Tina Joseph, an organizer and staff member of Ditidaht Community School, said the fun day event has been going on for 14 or 15 years, except for the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period.
“We usually invite guests,” she told Ha-Shilth-Sa.
This year neighbors from Pacheedaht honoured the invitation as well as guests from across the strait in the USA, the Makah. The three nations are closely related, speaking the same dialect of the Nuu-chah-nulth language.
The day got off to an early start, in keeping with teachings of the canoe. Organizers wanted to keep the children safe, allowing them to race before the wind blows through later in the morning.
Ditidaht folks treated their guests to a welcome song as young ladies from the school danced with their red and white flags. The day started with a prayer before racers were reminded that they must wear their life vests. They were encouraged to mingle, make friends, and most of all have fun.
The youngsters lined up on the boat launch wearing vests and holding paddles, waiting for their turn to board one of the six canoes that were on site. The first races were 100 meters in distance. While there was some competitiveness, the day seemed more about fun as kids seemed to have the most enjoyment capsizing their canoes.
One of the visiting teachers said her students asked if they could swim during the canoe races. When told no, the students said they’ll be swimming if they tip over.
Hazel Greene, a language and cultural teacher at Neah Bay Secondary School, said 17 students and four adults made the trip across the Juan de Fuca Strait in two power boats the day before. The normally 75-minute trip took more than two hours, she said, with the rough weather.
It was their first time as a school group coming to Ditidaht territory.
“We wanted to honour their invitation,” said Greene.
More importantly, the two nations want to re-establish the relationships that existed prior to the creation of what Greene called “the imaginary border”.
“There is no one in Washington that speaks our language,” Greene told Ha-Shilth-Sa.
These kinds of events create connections that provide opportunities to revitalize their Nuu-chah-nulth language.
Following the canoe races, the wind began picking up, so everyone went back to the school for lunch. Ditidaht planned cultural events and awards ceremonies for canoe teams in the afternoon and evening.
“We are really excited to come, and we are hopeful that we can come ever year,” said Greene.
She said there were more Neah Bay Secondary School students that wanted to come but there just wasn’t enough room in the boats. They hope to bring more next time.
Guests slept over in classrooms at the school while Ditidaht community served them meals.
“We are thankful for the hospitality and we’re looking forward to cultural performances,” said Greene.
