Ceremony in Civic Plaza will mark formal end to canoe season
Published: October 5, 2021
Categories: City of North Vancouver | Events | Indigenous
The Semá7maka canoe family, in collaboration with the North Vancouver RCMP and the North Vancouver City Library, will formally mark the end of the canoe season Monday, Oct. 18 at noon in Civic Plaza.
The Sleeping Ceremony will include prayers, dancing and music from members of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The canoe, called Semá7maka (Snowbird), will be put to rest for the winter season before being woken up again in the spring. The ceremony honours the canoe itself, as well as its caretakers, called a family, who are responsible for the canoe and journeys in it throughout the season.
The Semá7maka family is one of many who participate in the annual Pulling Together journey each summer. The program is a partnership among Indigenous communities, law enforcement and public service organizations that focus on supporting and strengthening relationships with area youth.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony. The ceremony will take place regardless of inclement weather.
