Dugout canoe racing was one of the few traditions that was not interfered with during the colonization of North America. Consequently, this holds a very special place amongst First Nations people in Coast Salish territory as the races have served as a conduit for passing down culture and tradition. 7th generation Squamish Nation canoe carver Mike Billy Sr. carves a dugout canoe with his son and nephews at the Canoe Cultures program in Vancouver, B.C. This knowledge keeper shares the skills that were passed on to him with future generations of dugout war canoe builders.
—Reeva Billy
