LAPUSH — The Quileute tribe will celebrate its culture and honor 2002 Paddle Journey canoe pullers during the Quileute Days celebration this weekend.
Quileute Days, also called Wikwal 2002 — the Quileute word for gathering — begins today and features traditional family-oriented festivities.
“It is a great time to come out to the beach and is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Quileute culture,” said Sharon Penn, co-chairwoman of the event. “This year, we have had a lot of participation with Forks, which is really great to see.”
The three-day event will also recognize canoe pullers from American Indian and First Nations (Canadian) tribes participating in the Aug. 10 paddle to Taholah, Penn said.
Fifty canoes are expected to make the journey from throughout Washington and British Columbia to the Quinault reservation town.
Other Quileute Days activities include a parade, salmon bake, dancing and drumming and the Lillian Pullen Power Canoe Races.
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