The traditional CanoeQuest, two Kispiox canoes, paddled by 20 local pullers ages 16 and up, and accompanied by the Babine Rediscovery, Rediscovery International, and Prince Rupert Rediscovery canoes, will be "Retracing the Highway of Our Ancestors" along the Skeena River from Kispiox, BC to Prince Rupert, BC from August 9, 2003 to August 16, 2003.
Roy Henry Vickers, international renown artist, not only generously offered to loan his VisionQuest Journeys '97 canoe to the Kispiox Rediscovery, but has also given, in a number of visitations to Kispiox, valuable orientation, instructions, training, and advice to the organizers and paddlers. Kispiox Rediscovery's canoe is the Northern Dancer.
SCHEDULE for "Retracing the Highway of Our Ancestors":
... Monday to Friday, August 4 - 8, 2003: Canoes & paddlers assemble for orientation and final preparation
... Morning of Saturday, August 9, 2003: Traditional CanoeQuest with five canoes launched from Kispiox to neighbouring Glen Vowell Village and Gitanmaax Village with special event scheduled for Ksan Historic Museum Village, Hazelton, BC.
... Sunday, August 10, 2003: Scheduled stops and visits at Gitsegukla Village and Gitwangak Village.
... Tuesday, August 12, 2003: Scheduled stops and visits at Kitselas and KitsumKalum Villages
... Friday, August 15, 2003: Scheduled stop and visit at the North Pacific Cannery Museum.
... Saturday, August 16, 2003: Arrive at Prince Rupert with Prince Rupert Rediscovery hosting a celebration at the Longhouse.
BACKGROUNDER TO KISPIOX REDISCOVERY
Started in 1995, supported by the Kispiox School, the Kispiox Band and community members, the Kispiox Rediscovery is a cultural wilderness education summer camp program. The camp is situated at Kuldo, north of Kispiox Village, traditional Gitxsan territory of the Wolf clan. Affiliated with Rediscovery International, they provided leadership development workshops, safety training, and network support. Now, community members, young adults, and elders operate the 10 day summer camps offering a cultural and wilderness experience anchored in fun, bonding, and saftey. The 2001 experience added a highly successful three day raft journey down the Skeen River from Kuldo, high in the Kispiox Valley.
CONTACTS:
... Doreen Angus, Coordinator, Kispiox Rediscovery, home tele phone 1(250)842-5590 or cell 1(250)877-1603,
... Thom Henley, Rediscovery International, Victoria, BC, telephone 1(250)383-4510. Will grant interviews.
... Roy Henry Vickers through Jennifer at Eagle Dancer Gallery, Brentwood Bay, telephone 1(250)544-2327 (appointment only).
More information:
Doreen Angus, Coordinator
Kispiox Rediscovery
doreenangus@bulkley.net
1(250)842-6148
