On April 20, 2022, Les (of the Tsleil-Waututh and Coast Salish peoples; a member of the wolf clan) and James of Takaya Tours lead us 9 members of the Winstanley Lab on a guided canoe trip.
We were greeted with traditional songs upon arrival at Cates Park (Whey-Ah-Wichen; “faces the wind”) sung by Les as he beat the tune out on his hand drum. The 11 of us paddled together in unison down the ancestral highways of the Indian Arm, stopping periodically for Les to share stories from his life, the ways of his people, and history of the people who had previously inhabited the lands. As well as more traditional songs, of course!
One of my favourite things Les shared with us was the story of a past chief, Waut-Salk, who had the power to communicate with the four-legged, winged ones, and finned ones. It was said that these animals all came out to pay their respects to this great leader after his passing – the four-legged stepped out on the banks lining Indian Arm as canoes paddled by, and winged ones circled above. Even the orcas paid a visit to Whey-ah-Wichen that day, holding their large bodies steady above water for the duration of his burial.
Les shared with us that he always finds solace down by the water, and this feeling was shared by everyone in the canoe that day. It was truly a moving and memorable experience!
huy ch q’u, Les, James, and Takaya Tours!
April 24th, 2022 – Kelly Hrelja