Vernon News

Twenty-plus traditional long canoes take to Okanagan Lake this week in an effort to promote intercultural harmony and positive relations with police and native people in the province.

The sight promises to be spectacular as upwards of 300 canoeists paddle the crafts from north to south down the lake between Sunday and next weekend.

With Lieutenant Governor Steven Point officiating, the Pulling Together Canoe Journey 2009 kicks off Saturday with the official opening ceremony, the official naming of a new elite canoe, and a feast.

The ceremony takes place at Komasket Park on the Okanagan Indian Band on Westside Road from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is invited.

This the ninth annual Pulling Together journey, sponsored by the Penticton Indian Band, is taking place on Okanagan Lake for the first time, according to Cpl. Dan Moskaluk, RCMP news media relations officer.

The week-long event is a joint aboriginal-police effort to improve their relations.

The crews pull out on the water Sunday at 5 a.m. for the 18-kilometre run to Fintry the first day, where they will overnight.

They paddle to Westbank on Monday, Rattlesnake Island and Peachland on Tuesday, and Summerland and Penticton on Wednesday. The complete itinerary is available on www.pullingtogether.ca

Aboriginal and non-aboriginal residents and even tourists are encouraged to attend and participate at every stop, according to Michaluk, where there will be traditional songs, dance, drumming and games.