The time-honoured tradition of canoe racing was front and centre during the 6th Annual Sasquatch Days over the weekend in Harrison Hot Springs. Paddlers of all ages got in their canoes and paddled with the best of them despite record breaking temperatures.
The beach was lined with authentic canoes, some were manufactured and others were scooped out, but that is more of a rare occurrence these days according to Sts’ailes Chief Administrative Officer Willie Charlie who helped officiate the races.
It’s harder to find trees large enough these days to actually carve a racing canoe out of, Charlie, told The Observer of a tradition that is being lost with deforestation.
“It is awesome to see the children and youth involved as competitors in this fun and healthy activity. The canoe paddlers train every day and follow strict cultural teachings to participate in this sport,”said Charlie.
The Sts’ailes started the Sasquatch Days tradition in May of 1938 and the return of the tradition has seen a memorable joint partnership with the Village of Harrison Hot Springs.
The Village was packed with spectators for the two day event as onlookers enjoyed a host of activities including the canoe races, artisans, photo-ops with the beloved Sasquatch, free medicine walks, and a Sasquatch feast filled with traditional Sts’ailes foods including bannock and Indian tacos.
