Canoes, Traditions, and Cultural Continuity by Tamara Marshall A
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Running Head: A TRIBAL JOURNEY 1 A Tribal Journey: Canoes, Traditions, and Cultural Continuity by Tamara Marshall A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS in PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION We accept this thesis as conforming to the required standard Dr. Joshua Guilar, Thesis Faculty Supervisor Date School of Communication & Culture Royal Roads University Dr. Jennifer Walinga, Thesis Coordinator and Date Internal Committee Member School of Communication & Culture Royal Roads University William White, External Advisor Date Xalemath/Kasalid Coast Salish (Nanaimo/Cowichan) A TRIBAL JOURNEY 2 Abstract In addressing the necessity of cultural transmission from one generation to the next, this ethnographic study examines ways that Indigenous canoe journeys enable communication of ancestral teachings and traditions, particularly to Kw‟umut Lelum youth. The objective is to identify how experiences and interactions within Indigenous canoe journeys, specifically Tribal Journeys, can connect youth to traditions, environments, Elders, other individuals, and each other. Drawing on interviews with adults and participant observation, I consider relational themes of self and identity to explore the cultural impact on the young people as they participate in Tribal Journeys 2010 and symbolic ceremonies within it. Through qualitative inquiry and inductive reasoning, this interpretive epistemological approach includes concepts specific to the Indigenous research paradigm and uses a performative narrative to present results. Kw‟umut Lelum Child and Family Services is a society committed to the well-being of Indigenous children residing within nine Coast Salish communities on Vancouver Island. The agency focuses on family, community, and sacredness of culture as guided by the Snuw‟uy‟ulh model, which uses the teachings of the present to unite the past and future. Tribal Journeys is a significant cultural event that upholds the Snuw‟uy‟ulh principles while facilitating the communication of ancestral teachings and traditions. Keywords: Indigenous, canoe, youth, culture, tradition, Coast Salish, narrative, perform A TRIBAL JOURNEY 3 Table of Contents Title Page .........................................................................................................................................1 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................2 Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................3 Acknowledgements ..........................................................................................................................5 Chapter One: Preparing to Paddle....................................................................................................6 Oral Tradition and Cultural Continuation ..............................................................................6 Kw‟umut Lelum Child and Family Services ..........................................................................7 Snuw‟uy‟ulh ...........................................................................................................................8 Research Question ..................................................................................................................9 The Indigenous Research Paradigm .....................................................................................10 Terminology .........................................................................................................................11 Connecting Self and Study ...................................................................................................11 My Participation ..........................................................................................................12 Chapter Two: The Support Crew ...................................................................................................13 Literature Review .................................................................................................................13 Modern-Day Rite of Passage ......................................................................................14 Relational Interactions ................................................................................................14 Traditions and Teachings ............................................................................................15 The Great Canoe .........................................................................................................15 Chapter Three: Choosing the Right Route .....................................................................................16 Method ..................................................................................................................................16 Adult Participant Conversations .................................................................................17 Consents, Anonymity, and Ethics ...............................................................................18 Observations of Youth ................................................................................................18 Other Fieldwork ..........................................................................................................19 Evaluation of Data ......................................................................................................19 Performance Ethnography ...........................................................................................20 Presentation .................................................................................................................20 A TRIBAL JOURNEY 4 Uy‟shqwaluwun ..........................................................................................................21 Chapter Four: An Exploration of Discoveries ...............................................................................21 The Journey ..........................................................................................................................22 July 11, 2010 ...............................................................................................................22 July 12, 2010 ...............................................................................................................31 July 13, 2010 ...............................................................................................................45 July 14, 2010 ...............................................................................................................49 July 15, 2010 ...............................................................................................................52 July 16, 2010 ...............................................................................................................60 July 17, 2010 ...............................................................................................................62 July 18, 2010 ...............................................................................................................64 July 19, 2010 ...............................................................................................................66 July 20, 2010 ...............................................................................................................69 July 21, 2010 ...............................................................................................................73 July 22, 2010 ...............................................................................................................75 July 23, 2010 ...............................................................................................................76 July 24, 2010 ...............................................................................................................77 Elsie Robinson ............................................................................................................82 Chapter Five: Reaching The Destination .......................................................................................84 Summary of Discoveries ......................................................................................................84 Affirmations and Aspirations ...............................................................................................85 Considerations and Limitations ............................................................................................88 Future Research ....................................................................................................................90 Personal Reflections .............................................................................................................90 References ......................................................................................................................................92 A TRIBAL JOURNEY 5 Acknowledgements This page is dedicated to expressing my gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this thesis process. First of all, thanks go to Kw‟umut Lelum Child and Family Services for welcoming me into their canoe family and providing permission for this research. I am especially grateful for the Kw‟umut Lelum youths, for they are at the heart of this study. A very special thank you goes to each of my 18 adult participants for sharing their stories, and for allowing their names to be included and