On June 2, the Haisla Nation Council held the Haisla Days Canoe Race in Kitamaat Village.
Four teams accepted the invitation and competed in the 36-foot Haisla ocean-going canoes. The KMP Wave Riders (Bechtel) was crowned the 2012 Haisla Days Canoe Races champion.
The canoe racers had to paddle a distance of 1km to the finish line where a crowd of spectators came to encourage their favourite team. For the first race, the Wave Riders led by Sarina Germuth finished in front of team Sasims We-Gwa-Daulth led by Cassidy Bolton. On the second race the experienced Northern Spirit team led by Cheryl Rumley won the race over team Pride & Dignity (Haisla youth paddling team.)
On the final race, the Wave Riders showed their determination and focus with a strong start and managed to maintain their lead all the way to the finish line in front of Northern Spirit.
Third place went to team Sasims We-Gwa-Daulth who won by less than a foot.
The canoe race is an activity that takes place during the Haisla Days. The Haisla Canoe Race is part of a long tradition.
Back in earlier days, each clan would build a special canoe designed for racing. The competition is still fierce today. It has become an honour to participate in this race and even more of an honour to win the race.
With the event the organization committee was able to raise $500 to support the Haisla Youth Paddling program.
The winning team will have their name displayed on a banner that will hang at the Haisla Recreation Centre. The Haisla Days organizers would like to thank the volunteers for making this event a success.
- Submitted