There’s something new to discover on the Ocean Pavilion’s public rooftop—that is, in addition to the native plantings and sandblasted images designed by, respectively, traditional ecological knowledge-keeper Valerie Segrest (Muckleshoot) and Owen Oliver (Quinault/Isleta Pueblo).
A recently installed sign offers an overview of the types of canoes used by members of the Muckleshoot Tribe to traverse the waters of the Salish Sea—and beyond—for thousands of years, as well as a glimpse into the importance and tradition of canoe culture.
The newly installed sign anchors stunning views of the Salish Sea from the Ocean Pavilion’s rooftop.
The placement of the sign on the rooftop is intentional. As Muckleshoot Tribal Council Chair Jaison Elkins noted upon the announcement of our partnership with the Tribe in 2024, “This partnership reflects the Tribe’s deep connection to the Seattle waterfront where our ancestors celebrated the return of the salmon since time immemorial.”
To learn more about the history and significance of q̓il̕bid (“canoe” in the Muckleshoot language) culture, we recently spoke with several members of the Muckleshoot Tribe, who generously shared their thoughts with us.
Q: Can you tell us more about the Tribe’s history of traveling by water?
A: “Traveling by water was how we would get around, and I was told that’s why we have our paddle songs. When we would visit other tribes, we would sing so that they would hear us and the tribes would know who we were by which song we were singing.”
—Salena Jackson, Performance and Regalia Specialist
Eagle Spirit on the Canoe Journey leaving Lummi Island, headed for Samish Island. Photo courtesy of Adrian Markantonatos.
Q: The new sign features seven types of canoes, each with a specific purpose. What does that range say about the Tribe’s connection to water? How has that connection shifted over time?
A: “The variety of canoes speaks to the significant relationship we have, and historically have had, with water and the waterways. Just like how you’ll see different types of vehicles driving down the highway, each with a specific purpose—those waterways were our traditional highways, so in the same way, there would be a dynamic range of canoe styles.
We’ve lived in this area for thousands of years in such close proximity to the water, that it made sense to travel this way. It’s even reflected in our language—directions are given in relation to where the water is. As for the shift, we’ve seen a lot of changes but we’ve also held onto parts of our identity—one of those being our relationship with the water.”
—Sam Obrovac, Cultural Arts Coordinator, Muckleshoot Tribe
Muckleshoot carving team and Adult Work Training Program participants working on a cedar-strip canoe to give away at Canoe Journey 2023, Muckleshoot, Auburn, Washington. Photo courtesy of Sam Obrovac.
Q: The sign notes that the canoes are considered to be living beings. Can you tell us more about that?
A: “We treat the canoes like they’re living; we give them names that fit them because the canoes have a spirit. We introduce ourselves to them when we get on, and I’ve had a lot of conversations with those canoes. I talk to them just like a person. They’re like our babies; we take care of them and they care of us. Just like a newcomer in a family—the new canoes are our babies, and they go through cycles in their lives. Our new canoe, tubšedad, has a mind of his own.”
—Autumn MaGee, Canoe Family Manager
Napolean Ross blessing a shovel-nose canoe on the Green River.
Q: What else would you like people to know/understand about the Muckleshoot Tribe’s q̓il̕bid (canoe) traditions?
A: “This is how we hunted, this is how we fished, this is how we lived—reconnecting with that way of life is contagious and it keeps growing. Being out on the water and hearing those strokes, hearing the animals, hearing the water—that’s my peace.”
—Corey Ward-Jerry, Cultural Food Specialist
Canoe practice on Eagle Spirit at Gene Coulon Park, Renton, Washington. Photo courtesy of Corey Ward-Jerry.
Q: What opportunities do you see through the Tribe’s partnership with the Seattle Aquarium?
A: “I see a lot of learning opportunities for our youth to engage with this field of knowledge—having them potentially lead into careers in marine biology, or even just connecting with their natural environment. The idea that what we do affects the rest of the world and how we have to take care of the water.”
—Stephanie James, Culture Program Director
“Our ancestors tended to this land and defended this land. They have given us strength and wisdom, which empower us to continue inhabiting and caring for our lands while gathering resources, traveling the Salish Sea and fishing these waters. We are resilient; we are Muckleshoot.”
We thank Salena, Sam, Autumn, Corey and Stephanie for contributing their wisdom and perspectives—as well as Sam, who closed with these beautiful words: “Witnessing this cultural resurgence, back to our Salish customs and identities, is a beautiful thing. It really is healing and powerful to see, and there are lots of additional people to thank who either held onto knowledge or went out and got it to share with the rest of us.”
To learn more, visit the Muckleshoot Tribe website and explore the collection of videos related to the annual Canoe Journey. Then, plan a visit to the Seattle Aquarium and make a stop on the rooftop to see the new sign. While you’re there, take a moment to gaze out at the waters of the Salish Sea and imagine the many generations of canoes that have crossed its waters.
