I am writing to express my immense gratitude, and awe, for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
They graciously welcomed thousands of tribal and First Nations people from Alaska to Oregon and beyond for the 2025 Canoe Journey, held on the reservation from July 21 through Aug. 5.
That took months of preparation and an unfathomable amount of work.
I felt welcomed, too, as a non-native Port Angeles resident.
It was such a privilege to witness this revival of traditional culture, to hear the young people speaking their native languages and wearing regalia they had made themselves, after they had paddled in open canoes for many days to get here.
It moved me deeply.
It has been 20 years since Lower Elwha was the host community for a canoe journey.
This year’s theme was “Paddle to Elwha: Dams Removed, A River Reborn, Spirits Renewed.”
For five days, more than 100 canoe families shared culture, words, songs and ceremonies.
Late on the last night, the whole Klallam Nation took the floor. Hundreds of dancers with paddles, along with singers and drummers, shook the ground as they formally entered.
Klallam means “Strong People,” and looking into those many dignified, shining young faces, the name seemed most fitting.
These are our neighbors.
I just want to raise my hands in appreciation of the strong people who live near and among us, and their ancestors who have lived in this beautiful place since time immemorial.
May you continue to prosper and thrive.
Florence Caplow
Port Angeles