WHEREAS, Next July 29th in Olympia, upwards of 15,000 visitors will enthusiastically welcome the arrival of over 100 tribal canoes as they conclude long distance journeys as participants in this year's Tribal Canoe Journey, "Paddle to Squaxin 2012," hosted by the Squaxin Island 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, they will join together in multiday cultural festivities until August 5th, which are open to the public, at the Squaxin Tribal community at Kamilche, halfway between Olympia and Shelton, in Mason County; and
     WHEREAS, The Canoe Journey, "Paddle to Squaxin 2012," represents a revival of traditional canoe culture so 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 of the revitalization of cultural expression for 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, "Paddle to Squaxin 2012" is a community-building, youth-focused drug and alcohol-free, waste-free event, with the motto, "Teachings of Our Ancestors";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives heartily welcome to the State Capital the many tribal members, tribal paddlers, their support teams, hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of enthusiastic visitors, who will participate in the Canoe Journey, "Paddle to Squaxin 2012" historic gathering; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives congratulate the Squaxin Island Tribe for its leadership in organizing and hosting the Canoe Journey, "Paddle to Squaxin 2012" event, and further express its appreciation to the City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia, Mason county, Thurston county, and hundreds of volunteers for their active support of this historic event; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives 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 Chief Clerk of the Washington State House of Representatives to the Squaxin Island Tribe, the City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia, Mason county, and Thurston county.