On July 30th, 2007, Canoe Families from around the Northwest Coast came  together, as the Lummi Nation Reawakened, Renewed and Revived their ancient traditions, by celebrating their first potlatch since 1937. The Journey began with nine canoes as the Paddle to Seattle in 1989. In 2006, the Paddle to Muckleshoot hosted more than 60 canoes and over 40,000 participants. In 2006, canoes came from as far as St.Paul Island, Alaska and the Grand Ronde Tribe in Oregon, traveling the routes of our ancestral highways. The Journey seeks to honor the centuries-old custom of transport, harvest and trade by the Coast Salish tribes, many who traveled the waters to meet and gather for festivities. Relationships are strengthened, family ties are renewed, and young and old gather together during this drug and alcohol free event. Our Elders believe that through canoe-pulling, we achieve perfect harmony and balance. This is schelangen, the Lummi way of life.