Seven Tlingit men left Portage Cove at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday in a traditional canoe headed for Juneau, the first voyage of its kind from Haines in modern times.
The trip is the culmination of a project by the Chilkoot Indian Association’s Youth Development Program and the “well-briety” movement advocated by artist Wayne Price, who led the carving of the 22-foot canoe starting a year ago.
Paddlers helped make the craft and also carved their own paddles.
“There are different ways of living,” explained Harriet Brouillette, whose sons James, 24, and Ted Hart, 28, are in the crew. “They are wrapping their minds around who they are and who they want to be.”
The group’s destination is Juneau’s “Celebration,” a biennial gathering saluting Southeast Natives. Natives from other communities will be making similar voyages to Juneau, but the local craft will be unique by being the only traditionally-made one there, Brouillette said. “It’s amazing. It just slices through the water.”
A meet-up of crews is scheduled for Saturday on Coghlan Island near Auke Bay. Voyagers will don regalia and group up to arrive in mass at Sandy Beach the following day, Brouillette said.
Before departing Haines, the crew was asked to cleanse their body and soul, abstaining from use of alcohol or drugs, and to immerse themselves in cold water in preparation. They were also required to take a cold-water survival class.
The canoe is equipped with a single sail located toward the bow and is operated by seven paddlers, one who serves as the rudder. The vessel is escorted by two powered vessels skippered by Terry Jacobson and Stan Wilson.
Besides the Harts, crew aboard for the voyage’s launch included Price, Alex Hotch, Stan Hotch, Zack James, and Bosh Hotch.
Price, who has led prominent totem carving projects, recently focused his work on traditional canoes, with an emphasis on teaching youths and reviving Tlingit nautical heritage. Tlingits are believed to have traveled widely along the Pacific Coast in dugout canoes.