Tribal Journeys photos

They come from places with names like Snoqualmie, Songees, Muckelshoot, Squaxim, Suquamish, Clayquot, Kyouquot, Hesquiaht, Ohiaht, Nit Nat, and Tsawout. Some of the big canoes have crossed the dangerous waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to get here. They circle the bay before lining up on the shore for the greeting ceremonies. As drumming and chants fill the air, older women sing the greeting song with their hands uplifted, palms forward, in the graceful welcoming gesture of the coastal tribes. I feel tears welling up in my eyes. The beauty of the ceremony strikes a chord of strong emotion in my white heart. I gather my wits and continue photographing.