Costal Salish tribes from across the Northwest made the arduous canoe journey to Lummi Island, 15 miles from Bellingham, for this week's five-day celebration of traditions, cultural events and a historical potlatch.

The Lummi Nation will host the event and revive traditional practices by holding its first potlatch since 1937.

"The anticipation and hope is overwhelming; there are no words to describe such an experience," said James "Smitty" Hillaire, the head of the Paddle to Lummi Committee.

Committee office manager Stephanie Martin described the event as a "healing journey" in that it marks an expression of native pride — something she said has been constantly challenged in past generations.

Martin explained that the catalyst for the original Paddle to Seattle was actually a tribal response to the "use it or lose it" federal policies on waterway rights for American Indian tribes.

The event promoted Native rights, and the now-annual Intertribal Canoe Journey has spurred on a cultural revivalism not seen in decades.

Upon arrival, the tribes will partake in formal guest processions and share in the traditional songs and dances of the Lummi people.

The event is family-friendly and geared toward reinstituting ancient traditions for the younger generations with its motto of "Hope, Happiness, Healing, Honor and Hospitality."

Ted Solomon, director of the Paddle to Lummi, described the event as "uniting all nations together into one people, with one goal, on very positive terms."

He was also appreciative of non-Native participation and community support.

The Lummi Nation has been preparing for three years, organizing and gathering community resources in order to host an event with more than 60,000 participants.

The Intertribal Canoe Journey was born out of the Washington State Centennial festivities' "Paddle to Seattle," which was a nine-canoe run.

It has grown into one of the largest Northwest tribal events in recent history, with 80 canoes registered, 24 tribes participating and an expected 13,000 people participating each day.

The journey itself is a harrowing athletic accomplishment for the canoe runners; some travel all the way from Alaska and Southern Oregon to the shores of Lummi Stommish Grounds.

Paddle to Lummi Community Cultural Connections (P2LCCC), a non-native organization, garnered community support from Whatcom County through its $300,000 fundraising goal and contribution campaign within local businesses.

"I believe that event will have a solidifying effect on the community [and] that lasting friendships will be formed through the cooperation it takes to host an event of this scale," said Beth Brownfield, chair of P2LCCC.

Kara Black, her partner in the organization, hopes that this type of event will not only bring an understanding of the history of American Indian culture but will also instill a sense of appreciation, which is increasing all over Washington State.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and everyone should come on up," Martin said.