Photos by Tricia Thomas

Coast Salish families from around the Salish Sea are on the move most weekends during the summer as they attend canoe races in BC and Washington state.

While the races for all ages is the main attraction, it is also a time to meet with family and friends, sample some delicious foods and see works by artists and craftspeople.

Sentinel photographer Tricia Thomas stopped by the Snuneymuxw Water Sports on Nanaimo harbour in late May and spent the day capturing some of the races as well as the people who make each event special.

Races continue for the next two months with all eyes on the final competition of the season at Makah Days in Neah Bay on the far west of the Olympic Peninsula.

 July

2-3 Ambleside Park, West Vancouver, BC

9-10 Tsleil-Waututh canoe races, Whey-A-Wichen/Cates Park, North Vancouver, BC

23-24 Stz’uminus hosts races at Kulleet Bay near Ladysmith, BC

August

6-7 Tsartlip First Nation, West Saanich, BC

13-14   Songhees First Nation, Victoria Harbour, BC

20-21   Chief Seattle Days, Suquamish, WA

20-21   Tulalip Water Festival, Tulalip, WA

26-28   Makah Days, Neah Bay, WA