The great canoes

"The cedar canoe was central to the lives of the Northwest Coast's First Peoples. With the increased use of gas boats in the late 19th century, the tradition of canoe building almost disappeared. But in the mid-1980s the great canoes began to be built again. They returned transformed, sacred vessels bearing ancient knowledge to the people." "This book, by Kwagiutl photographer David Neel, explores the rebirth of the Northwest Coast canoe. Neel combines 70 of his most spectacular photographs with words from elders, builders, paddlers, chiefs and young people. The photos and text document the impressive canoe gatherings of the last few years, including the landmark Qatuwas Festival hosted by the Heiltsuk Nation of Bella Bella in 1993, which brought together more than 3000 people from thirty nations, and the 1994 Tribal Journeys paddle to Victoria for the opening of the Commonwealth Games."--Jacket.