Four youths from the Canim Lake Band travelled to the west coast of Vancouver Island on June 30 to participate in the Pulling Together 2011 Canoe Journey.
This year, plans for the weeklong canoe trip were to pass through the Broken Islands from Tofino to Port Alberni.
Up to 100 paddlers in 10 canoes participate on average, said Brenda Grant, who organized the Canim Band's "canoe family."
This year, the local paddlers include Patrick Riley, Brody Theodore and brothers Braeden and Cody Emile.
The participation of the RCMP is an important part of the annual journey, Brenda explained, and includes the First Nations Community Policing Service (FNCPS).
Brenda noted she and FNCPS Const. Claire Myers of 100 Mile House were travelling this year with the local youths.
The police, Fisheries and Oceans, and other agencies involved in the journey offer valuable connections for the boys, she added.
"This journey is so powerful and amazing ... they come out totally transformed."
The extended group of people who support and celebrate the trip range from 200 to 300 people from many communities, she noted.
"We're jumping in and we're pulling together."
The paddles hit the water on July 3 after two days of preparation, feasting and ceremonies at Tofino, and then they headed north to celebrate with the Ahoushat First Nations at the Maaqtisiis Reserve, which is inaccessible by land.
The canoes will then double back through Barkley Sound and the Broken Islands stopping at various communities for feasts and celebrations of the "pulling" journey, including Tla-o-qui-aht, Ucluelet, Toquaht, Huu-ay-aht, UU-a-thluk, Tseshaht, and Hupacasath First Nations.
Grand Chief and Lt.-Gov. Steven Point is the special guest at a feast at Macoah (Toquaht Bay).
Many hours each day will be spent enjoying spectacular coastal views, whales, seals, jellyfish, birds and wildlife that many young people from the South Cariboo don't often, if ever, get to see.
When they reach their southernmost destination at Pachena Bay Campground near Bamfield, paddlers will head east up the Alberni Inlet to Port Alberni.
Brody and Cody have never been on a canoe trip before, and both boys agreed they were really looking forward to the experience.
"I'm just looking forward to meeting new people and paddling every day," said Brody.
Added Cody: "I just want to be able to get out on the water every day and paddle through the cool places, the ocean, the islands and the pristine wilderness."
Patrick made the journey last year, canoeing from North Vancouver to White Rock, and explained that he learned a lot and is looking forward to the trip once again.
Something he learned last year is to be less shy and to open up to people more, Patrick said, adding he wrote and played a song on his guitar during the 2010 journey's talent show.
