When: Anytime

Fee charged:
Canadian $298.00 plus GST per person (minimum of 2 persons), price includes interpretive hike, guide, craft instruction, all meals, high quality canoes and paddling equipment, waterproof bags, camping gear

Accommodations:
Homestays can be arranged or visitors may stay at the Elders Lodge on the reservation. Off-reservation lodging includes a unique wilderness retreat or a waterfront cabin. Rates are in addition to the tour rate and range from $ 50.00 to $ 120.00 per night.

Background Notes:
The Sliammon people constitute a band belonging to the Coast Salish, who inhabit the coastal regions of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. Within the Coast Salish there are approximately 20 bands, all with their own individual languages and cultures. The Sliammon currently have about 800 band members. Before contact with European settlers the band was 20,000 people strong.

The area now known as the Upper Sunshine Coast used to be heavily populated by the Sliammon People. It stretches from Langdale, 30 km north of Vancouver, in the south to Lund at the end of Highway 101 in the north. The entire length of the Sunshine Coast is approximately 180 km and includes two stunningly beautiful ferry rides (Horseshoe Bay/Langdale and Earls Cove/Saltery Bay) that take a total of 1.5 hours. Powell River is situated 150 km north of Vancouver and the Sliammon reservation is situated 12 km north of Powell River.

A Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1:
7.00 am - 9.00 am: Interpretive Hike at Ayjoomixw. Join us on a walk through what was once a seasonal village site of the Sliammon people for thousands of years. This trail sits within the area known as Ayjoomixw, meaning 'good, clear ground.' Before contact with the European settlers, trails similar to ones like this were used throughout the entire territory of the Sliammon people, who numbered in the thousands. The natural resources available were plentiful and able to sustain large groups of people. Ayjoomixw still contains large numbers of archaeologically significant features such as canoe skids, culturally modified trees (CMTs), fish traps and shell middens.

9.00 am - 12.00 pm Paddle in Canoe (Double) to Á7geyksn (Harwood Island) Our crossing begins with a quick introduction to the necessary skills for ocean canoeing. Your guide will then lead a safe and scenic three hour journey to the quiet and sandy shores of Harwood Island. Sightings of porpoises, orcas, sea lions and sea birds are not uncommon. We will pass a burial ground, clam and oyster beaches as well as a number of village sites. Today the island is uninhabited and is designated as Sliammon Indian Reserve No. 2. Its traditional place name, Á7geyksn, means "pointed nose".

12.00 pm - 1.30 pm: Immediately after arrival on the island, we unload the canoes and prepare a traditional meal that includes deer meat and berries as well as other seasonal foods that can be gathered on the island.

1.30 pm - 2.30 pm After lunch we set up the camp and begin our exploration of the island. We harvest and gather what we will need to build a traditional canoe bailer and to weave a medicine bag.

4.30 pm - 7.00 pm: Back at the camp we will start to prepare a traditional Coast Salish Salmon BBQ.    At the right you see Village Elder Mary George preparing salmon our traditional way. While the fish is being barbecued, you will learn about ancient technologies and get some hands on experience with native crafts.

7.00 pm: You will enjoy your salmon dinner. Then there will be ample time to sit at the beach, enjoy the sunset and listen to the traditional stories of the Sliammon People.

Day 2:
9.00 am: We will prepare breakfast, break down the camp and load the canoes. The paddle back to Ayjoomixw concludes our journey into Coast Salish culture.

12.00 pm: Arrival at Ayjoomixw

APPENDIX:

Outline of the history of the Sliammon People