Lower Elwha Klallam tribal members will cut down a 165-foot western cedar today to be carved into an ocean-going ceremonial canoe.
Tribal Executive Director John Miller said the 10-foot diameter tree will be cut down on federal forest land west of Port Angeles.
The tree will be hollowed out and carved into the tribe’s ceremonial canoe, replacing the Elwha Warrior, which split in 1999 during a training run in Port Angeles Harbor.
A master carver will be hired to shape the canoe, which will be 37 feet long when completed. Wood from the tree will also be used for masks and carvings.
Tribal members will bless the tree during a 5 p.m. ceremony today at the tribal center, 2851 Lower Elwha Road.
