A fried bread competition, raffles, seeking sponsors and a whole lot of paddling.

Those are just a few of the things on the agenda as Malahat First Nation prepares to take part in its first Tribal Journey – Paddle to Quinault.

“Our community is very interested and excited about this journey,” said Randy Daniels, the nation’s language and culture coordinator. “We have 20 adults and 12 youth signed up for the Tribal Journey.

Some have paddled and trained before and for some this is their first time on a canoe.” Paddlers have been getting into shape – and into synch with one another – through daily afternoon workouts. Every Wednesday, the community gets together for potluck dinners at the canoe shed.

Support is also coming from neighbouring nations. At a recent practice, George Seymour of Stz’uminus First Nation attended to share his long experience as a paddler on racing canoes as well as on past journeys.