Pulling Together Canoe Journey ~ Tk'emlups ~ Kamloops, BC

We felt the excitement as we watched the Pulling Together Canoe Journey arrive Friday afternoon, August 3, 2013.  The flotilla of 19 canoes and the many who had worked very hard to make their way here today was definitely something to celebrate as they arrived at their destination in Kamloops, BC.

Pullling Together flotilla on S. Thompson River

Vision Quest, originated by RCMP Staff Sergeant Ed Hill, was the first journey in 1997 with the intent of forming a good relationship between the First Nations and police forces.  2001 saw the next event which was renamed Pulling Together as it involved several First Nations communities and police forces.  Today the celebration and success continues as the first Pulling Together arrives in Kamloops, BC.

Canoes eagerly pass by

Over the years that the Pulling Together Canoe Journey has been occuring, there have been many different police departments involved from several parts of the province and all pulling together with First Nations communities.  Up to the event this year, these events happened either on the coastal waters or down the Fraser Canyon involving many First Nations from those areas.  2013 is the first one to happen in the Interior and I believe this is a very special occasion and feel fortunate to have seen it.

Welcoming crowd for the canoes and the RCMP boats 

The drummers and a small crowd were waiting for their arrival, which we could see from our vantage point. The police have a power boat to escort the paddlers and offer their help if necessary and made the complete journey with the canoes.  It was good to see that all of the 16 paddlers in each canoe all wore lifejackets.  . 

The canoes are arriving in Kamloops, BC

We’d driven up the South Thompson to get an early look at the flotilla as it came down river and it was great to hear their excitement as they whooped and waved to us standing on the road above.  Their 9 day journey was about to come to an end and they seemed pretty excited to be arriving.   

Tk'emlups' canoe leads the way home

The Tk’emlups canoe would go ashore so that Chief Shane Gottfriedson would be able to welcome all the visitors as they each circled past.  Senator Nancy Greene-Raines was also paddling in this same canoe that represents the Tk’emlups First Nations.  

Visitors are welcomed to Tk'emlups

Tk’emlups Chief Shane Gottfriedson stood on the rivers’ edge as all other canoes receive a traditional welcome as they floated by with oars upright.  There were 19 canoes arriving and all would circle in the bay until everyone had been welcomed then they were on their way downriver to Riverside Park for the welcome by the City of Kamloops mayor. 

Canoes circle as they wait for all to be welcomed

We were not part of the journey so do not have first hand knowledge of the experience but a chance meeting with Councillor Rod Crowe of Chase, BC did share his experience while waiting for the flotilla to arrive.  Mr. Crowe had spent time paddling in one of the canoes and explained how their day went. 

They begin the final lap of this Pulling Together Journey

This journey began on Mara Lake and made their way through the Sicamous Narrows to the Shuswap Lakes before getting onto the South Thompson River, visiting several First Nations communities on their way.  They would canoe by day and then be bussed to their camp at night which was relocated to different parks along the route.  Several brief daytime stops were also made including at Chase and on Banana Island.

Several of the participating canoes

There are hundreds of volunteers involved in this whole endeavor.  Many who would look after the camp they set up for the participants as well as preparing food required for all.  There are others who will stay with the canoes to make sure they stay safe overnight while the paddlers get back to camp. A day of celebration was held part way through the journey, a much needed rest, no doubt.  There were sightings of eagles each day of the journey which held special meanings for those involved. 

The Pulling Together Journey 2013 soon ends

Today marked the arrival to their destination in Kamloops. This Pulling Together event was planned to coincide with the Kamloopa PowWow 2013 weekend.  Chief Shane Gottfriedson invited all paddlers to join the Grand March at the Kamloopa PowWow to welcome all to the celebration of this 34th annual event.

To all those who were involved in the "Pulling Together Canoe Journey", WELL DONE!  I hope we are to see many more of these in years to come and that the welcoming crowd grows bigger to match your enthusiasm.

One more special reason why we call Kamloops home.

We love Kamloops, BC ~ Sunrise to Sunsets

We love Kamloops for all the scenery, attractions, sports, diversity or weather, and that would include the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  We all enjoy seeing that big blue sky to be flawless and free of clouds but our sunrises and sunsets would not be as stunning without them.

 

Summer sunset from Peterson Creek, Kamloops, BC

There has been damage done to many of our pine trees by the pine beetle but the trees made an interesting framing for the summertime sunset we enjoyed while taking an summer evening walk through Peterson Creek Park.

 

Sunset over teepee at Kamloopa PowWow

Mid summer evening spent at the Kamloopa Pow Wow near the Kamloops Residential School on the South Thompson River, offers a sunset backdrop for all to enjoy.  It was the ending of a grand show, if you wish to see more of the Pow Wow show, click here.

Autumn sunrise over Kamloops, BC

There are not many sunrises that are quite this bright and they disappear so quickly that there is never time to get to a better viewpoint but this one is taken from our own deck and it was amazing to watch.

 

Sun setting after Kamloops afternoon rain

We were crossing the Halston Bridge after a late afternoon rain and the setting sun and clouds made such a dramatic picture ahead.  You’re not able to see Batchelor Heights to the west side of the North Thompson River as the contrast is natural lighting in the picture and better able to show the true colors of the sunset and clouds.

 

Autumn sunset on Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter, Kamloops, BC

I was following Ord Road  heading east to get to Westsyde Road and head north up the N. Thompson River when the lighting on this late afternoon drive made Mt. Paul and Peter look beautiful where they stand at the meeting of the North and South Thompson Rivers.

 

Christmastime sunset in Kamloops, BC

With the neighboring homes preventing most views of evening sunsets, I was happy to include some of the color while taking pictures of my Christmas lawn decorations. Now if only I could eliminate all those wires in my pictures………. but then I wouldn’t be able to light up those Christmas decorations ! 

Christmas morning sunrise in Kamloops, BC

Many grandparents will make those early Christmas morning drives to get to watch the little ones and all their excitement open the gifts that Santa has left and we are no exception.  The timing was perfect to catch this pretty sunrise as the sun was streaming down from behind the dark bank of clouds onto the crystal white snow up in the hills above Kamloops.  This picture was taken as we drove the new road below Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

Sunrises are such a great way to start the day and then to finish the day with a sunset, what could be better?

Summer Events ~ PowWow ~ Downtown Merchant Market ~ Farmers Market ~ Wakeboarding ~ Highland Games ~ Hot Nites Car Show

We love Kamloops for many reasons and now that summer is officially over, I will show you some of those reasons.  We are a very diversified city with multi interests and there are events for all those interests.

Kamloopa PowWow 2010, Kamloops, BC

The Kamloopa Pow Wow is a celebration of the First Nations Culture and Heritage. It is an annual event held on the August long weekend at the Pow Wow Grounds on KIB just off the Yellowhead Highway at Shuswap Road.
It is one of the largest in Western Canada and has competitions in drumming, costumes and dancing. There are also many artisans there who offer native crafts and jewelry for sale. It is a great celebration where you can spend the day enjoying the entertainment. Concessions are there to grab a lunch or dinner at so you can spend the day. Enjoy more of the PowWow by clicking here.

Downtown Merchant Market, Kamloops, BC

The Kamloops Downtown Merchant Market in July is a great showing of the spirit of the downtown core, the heart of our city.  There is lots of participation by the merchants and sales galore.  You will see and hear live music daily, as well as magicians and Chris the Clown is a favorite with the kids.  The Daily News has some great pictures taken at the Market this year.

Wakeboarding Competition 2010, Kamloops, BC

The annual Wakeboarding competition Wake2Wakefest, draws many competitors to the beach and spectators, too.  There were over 60 competitors this year and I am sure with the success and enjoyment for the family entertainment, it will grow to be even bigger next year.  Watch their webpage for news on next years competition.

Riverside Park, Kamloops, BC

We have the wonderful Riverside Park and Thompson River and it is great to see it enjoyed by many with events such as this. There have been many years that we didn’t have a water show such as this and yet with a perfect venue, I wondered why.

Riverside Park, Waterskiing competition, Kamloops, 1967

In July 1967, we were enjoying a different kind of show down at Riverside Park on the Thompson River.  The park has changed a bit and the styles were different back then, but some things don’t change, we enjoyed the entertainment, they just didn’t have the wakeboard competitions happening yet !

Highland Games, Kamloops, BC

If you enjoy Highland dancing and the music of the bagpipes, you cannot miss the Kamloops Highland Games held here in July. The Games also include world championsin dancing and piping. The clan tents offer help to those interested in family geneology and history information. For more information, clik here.

Farmers Market, Kamloops, BC

The Kamloops Farmers Market has been around for many years and has become a tradition to many.  The garden fresh fruits and veggies as well as plants, bakery goods and all kinds of crafts are available twice a week during the season.  See more and learn more here.

Hot Nites in the City, Kamloops, BC

This great car and truck show is another tradition that has been around for awhile and doesn’t appear to be leaving soon. It has grown to be a big show, even though it isn’t held at night! Now that is another story, learn more about Hot Nites on my blog page.

This is just a sampling of some of the Summer Events that Kamloops has to offer. We’d have to be able to be in more than one place at a time if we were to see everything that there is. This will take a few summers, but that means there are more great things to look forward to. Just more reasons why we love Kamloops, there’s no place like home.

Kamloopa PowWow ~ Kamloops, BC, Canada

We love Kamloops for all it has to offer and the Kamloopa PowWow is one of the most beautiful events to see.  Friends joined us and we all enjoyed our first PowWow experience and making it even better was that we are considered 'elders' and were admitted free of charge !

 

Quiet times at the Kamloopa PowWow grounds

This was the 31st annual PowWow in Kamloops and is held at the Special Events Facility, most commonly referred to as the powwow grounds. The open air facility is a grand one and makes a wonderful presentation for the PowWow, one of the largest celebrations of the First Nations culture and heritage in Western Canada.

Kamloopa PowWow visitors fill the grounds with tents and RV's

The grounds are filled with teepees, tents and RV’s as many come from far and wide either to participate or enjoy the celebrations. The grounds are kept clean with a clean up crew that never stops and with all the challenges that it brings with so many people living on these grounds for several days, it is very impressive how clean it is kept.

The Canadian, American & BC flags followed by First Nations flags

Excitement is in the air as the Grand Entry begins. The crowd stands to their feet, the drums roll and the music thunders as the participants enter the grassy arena. I posted some video of this so check out Youtube to watch the first moments of the Grand Entry and feel that excitement with me.

                                

The arena is filled with dancers

The beautiful costumes are never ending as hundreds of participants dance into the arena and gather here. The noise makes it difficult to hear some of the introductions by the MC and without programs available, I don’t know which bands are being represented as they enter, but I understand that many of them come great distances to join the Secwepemc band to celebrate together.

The history behind the Secwepemc people tell us that song, dance and ceremonies were part of their daily life and considered vital in maintaining their beliefs and values. These teachings from their ancestors showed them how to care for their land and their people so they would sing and dance before harvesting anything from the land. Song, dance and ceremonies remind the Secwepemc of these beliefs. “The Secwepemc believe that all living things have spirits and must be shown utmost respect.” and you can feel the pride in the air as they dance and sing tonight

One of hundreds of beautiful costumes

Competition begins and native dress varies from one band to another. The colors, design, style, beadwork and fringes make a wonderful show as they dance.

Feathers adorn a dancer's costume

Feathers play a large part in the outfits and many of them have this beautiful display on their back. I know that everything has a significant meaning but I haven’t been able to determine what the feathers on these costumes would mean, maybe someone will pass on this information to me. Many also have what appears to be horsehair in their headgear.

One of the many drumming groups

Drumming plays a major part in the show and the competition. Each group sits around and sings in their native tongue as they pound their one drum to compete for large cash prizes. Their music and emotions roar through the arena and after listening to the different bands and their chanting, choosing the winner may be a difficult job for the judges but this group was definitely in the running to win.

One of many arts and craft booths to see

Arts and crafts are also a big part of the PowWow. There are many booths set up under the outer edge of the facility and many beautiful crafts are on display and for sale from leather moccasins to silver jewelry, and beadwork to blankets

Setting sun over the teepee

There were few teepees set up but those that were are personal ones used for their weekend home away from home. The setting sun said the day was ending but the dancing and celebrations would continue into the night.

The Kamloopa PowWow is a wonderful way to celebrate the First Nations and to share their history. There are no drugs or alcohol allowed on the grounds and that makes for a great place to take the family and learn something of a different culture, right in our own back yard. The PowWow is just another reason why we love Kamloops.