Artist and educator Shirod Younker (Coquille/Miluk Coos/Umpqua) celebrates the diversity of canoe paddles from different tribes in the "Paddles Up" design. The different styles represent the variations of paddles from Tribes in Northern California, Oregon, Washington and Southeast Alaska. Oftentimes, the length, style and shape of canoe paddles were influenced by the waters and unique features of the Tribe's traditional territory.

During Tribal Canoe Journeys, a Tribe would raise the end of their paddles in the air when they wanted to come ashore in another Tribe’s territory. This friendly gesture, along with sharing a song and requesting permission to come ashore, is a part of traditional protocol when tribes travel via canoe to other Tribal territories. Today, when a Tribe welcomes other Tribal visitors who are traveling by canoe, the visiting Tribe will typically share their songs, dances and gifts in gratitude to the hosting Tribe. Often, there's also a hot pot of coffee and a feast waiting for the travelers!

3 in x 3.75 in/ 10 oz.
Designed by Shirod Younker (Coquille/Miluk Coos/Umpqua)
Imported

Thank you for supporting Inspired Natives™, not "Native-inspired."

Product Care:

Hand wash only
Microwave safe