The Spirit Hawk
Canoe Club is gaining momentum throughout the Northwest, and popularity
here at home
After many years, the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club, called the Suquamish
Canoe Club in previous years, has been re-established. Suquamish
youth and adults are training and traveling; representing at war
canoe races throughout Washington State and Canada.
"I've always wanted our canoe club to return and be more active.
And, this year, it has finally worked out. It is happening," said
Barb Santos, coach of the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club.
Santos added that this year there were many encouraging messages
sent her way to guide her into getting the canoe club up and going
including increasing interest from tribal youth. The largest turnout
for practices this season included 19 youth, with up to 11 traveling
to compete in races with other Tribes and First Nations.
"We have been able to take our 11-man Spirit Hawk, and our 6-man
The Muz, at least four singles and two double-man war canoes to
many of the races this season and are now at the half way point
in the 2014 race schedule," said Santos.
Canoe races the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club have participated in
so far this year include, Nooksack at Stommish Grounds, Chilliwack
Landing, Cultus Lake, Scowlitz, Lummi Stommish Days and Ambleside
Beach. This month, racers will be traveling to Chemainus Bay. The
canoe racing season lasts May-August each year, wrapping up at Makah
Days in Neah Bay. One of the events the canoe club is looking forward
to this year are the races scheduled at home, during Chief Seattle
Days.
"We are excited to race our 11-man and our 6-man in the junior
buckskin category at Chief Seattle Days this year, something that
has not happened in quite some time," said Santos.
For more information about the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club and the
rest of the schedule this year, contact Barb Santos, bsantos@suquamish.nsn.us
or 360-394-7107.
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