With Lehua Kamalu (Native Hawaiian), Frank Brown (Heiltsuk) and L. Frank Manriquez (Tongva-Ajachmem)
A conversation with three Indigenous leaders from across North America rebuilding canoe and maritime traditions in their own communities. Lehua Kamalu, Kanaka Maoli, captained the Hikianalia, a traditional polynesian outrigger canoe on its recent voyage from Hawaii to California. Kamalu is the first woman to captain a traditional polynesian vessel. Frank Brown, Heiltsuk from Bella Bella, British Columbia, organized North America’s first Tribal Canoe Journey to coincide with Expo ‘86 in Vancouver, BC. Brown will talk about his original vision, what it took to launch the first Tribal Canoe Journey, and how the event has taken hold and grown in the 30+ years since. L. Frank Manriquez of the Tongva-Ajachmem is an artist, language activist and leader in the California Indian community. She was the first member of her nation to build and navigate a traditional tii’at in over 100 years and participates in the annual Tribal Canoe Journeys. All will also speak to the challenges and positive impacts of canoe culture on Indigenous communities and the environmental movement.