WHEREAS, On July 30, 2016, in Olympia, upwards of 20,000 visitors will enthusiastically welcome the arrival of more than 100 tribal canoes as they conclude long distance journeys as participants in this year's Tribal Canoe Journey, "2016 Paddle to Nisqually," hosted by the Nisqually Tribe, whose homeland is south Puget Sound; and

WHEREAS, The canoes will represent approximately 60 tribes from many locations in Washington, Alaska, and British Columbia, as well as from other states and countries, and will arrive at the Port of Olympia's NorthPoint near Swantown Marina in downtown Olympia; and

WHEREAS, Following their arrival in Olympia, the canoes will join together in multiday cultural festivities until August 6th, which festivities are open to the public, at the Nisqually Tribal community at Olympia, halfway between Olympia and Yelm, in Thurston County; and

WHEREAS, The Tribal Canoe Journey, "2016 Paddle to Nisqually," represents a revival of traditional canoe culture fundamental to traditional Native American life around Puget Sound, the Salish Sea, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Pacific Ocean, and other Pacific Northwest marine waters, which frequently involved long journeys for economic, social, and cultural purposes; and

WHEREAS, The Tribal Canoe Journeys have become a vital activity for the revitalization of cultural expression to allow Native American families to pass along their traditional way of life to younger generations; and

WHEREAS, The inaugural Tribal Canoe Journey, "Paddle to Seattle," coincided with the 1989 State of Washington's Centennial Celebration and brought 17 tribes together as a tribute to the Salish Seas tribal canoe tradition and cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, "2016 Paddle to Nisqually" is a community-building, youth-focused, drug- and alcohol-free, waste-free event, with the motto "Don't Forget the Water";

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate heartily welcome to the state capitol the many tribal members and tribal paddlers, support teams, hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of enthusiastic visitors who will participate in the Tribal Canoe Journey, "2016 Paddle to Nisqually" historic gathering; and

BE IT FURTHER, That the Senate congratulate the Nisqually Tribe for its leadership in organizing and hosting the Canoe Journey, "2016 Paddle to Nisqually" event, and further express its appreciation to the City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia, Thurston County, and hundreds of volunteers for their active support of this historic event; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate express its admiration for the personal fitness and endurance of the tribal paddlers, many of whom will have paddled for hundreds of miles to arrive in Olympia; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Nisqually Tribe, the City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia, and Thurston County.