Vancouver’s growing marine traffic is putting Indigenous canoe culture at risk, says First Nations researcher

Zoe George, Rachelle George, Cassandra Smith and Raquel Ormandy at the Chilliwack Cultus Canoe race. (Courtesy: Zoe George)

Marine researchers in British Columbia are weaving together traditional, Indigenous knowledge with science to protect the province’s waters, and preserve a First Nations sport that holds deep cultural and historical significance.

Leading the research is the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Zoe George, a participant of Clear Seas’ Indigenous Internship Program investigating the effects of marine traffic on Indigenous communities and their access to vital traditional territories and practices.

At the centre of George’s research is the cultural importance of canoeing to First Nations communities, and how the dwindling health of local marine ecosystems doesn’t merely present a threat to nature but to the cultural identity and connection to the environment of local First Nations.

“There is a part of war canoeing that is like being a living culture, there are a lot of spiritual and Indigenous epistemologies that go along with war canoe culture and that’s been since time immemorial,” says George.

“But then you have parts of colonialism and secular colonialism that really changed parts of war canoeing, and what that is for us.”

George nods to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) North Vancouver Canoe Club who struggle to access the shoreline at Sen̓áḵw, an area historically home to the nation.

“Where they paddle from they have to weave around huge ships, huge shipping containers, and it’s actually quite dangerous for them to be paddling there, but it’s the only place that they have access close to their home and to their reserve,” she says.

George, who typically paddles every day for six months of the year, says there are around 30 different First Nations communities in the Lower Mainland alone hosting races and training throughout the year who would be impacted by a rise in marine traffic.

“It’s a very big community,” she says.

George’s research is the basis of an exhibit at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, táywilh | snəxʷəɬ, designed to promote reconciliation and share the rich history and cultural significance of Coast Salish canoeing with the wider public.

Ensuring there is ample education for the wider public on the importance of canoeing to First Nations communities is the first step towards protecting Indigenous culture for future generations, she says.

“Just having the public be interested in, and knowing and understanding the truth behind what we’re living through means a lot, and a step forward in the right direction.”