Project Name: Healing Journey 2002
Project Summary: This is a new UMAYC project. The Society is going to take 10 urban Aboriginal youth on a 14 day healing journey using the traditional mode of travel, which is the canoe. The journey begins in Port Alberni and completing in the State of Washington, USA. The youth will learn water safety, how to read the tides, first aid and also learn about cultural protocols, songs and traditional dances. Youth that participate in the journey will increase their knowledge of their spiritual, physical, emotional and mental selves.
Anticipated Results:
1. The journey this year will be held July 19th, 2002 July 26th, 2002. The Healing Journey 2002 will start in Campbell River, Cape Mudge and will end up in Vancouver one (1) week later. We will then make a trip to Alert Bay where the canoe will be towed and placed in the water to join their traditional celebrations.
2. There will be 12 urban Aboriginal youth participating,
3. A support vessel will accompany the canoe,
4. This Healing Journey is a spiritual journey that the West Coast Aboriginal people took with tremendous respect and with humbleness. They became one with the land and nature. It has proven to challenge the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual lives of the participants. They walk away with a renewed respect for themselves and their surroundings. This is an alcohol and drug free journey for not only our crew but for every other canoe on the water. Even husbands and wives know that they will not be able to have any physical contact.
5. The participants will learn the following:
· Introduction to the various tides and water conditions
· Tools and kits needed
· Canoe training will commence
· Water safety
· Rescue
· Fundraising
· Wilderness survival
· Planning and researching the route
· Overnight camping trips
· Training & Exercises
6. The participants will learn dancing, singing and drumming that will instil a greater sense of pride in their culture and selves.
7. The participants will experience the overall experience of the Canoe-Healing journey.
8. The participants will train twice a week prior to the journey.
