The Great Canoes – Reviving a Northwest Coast Tradition –

“… 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 het opening of the Commonwealth Games.

Neel’s photographs capture quiet moments – carvers engrossed in their work, elders bestowing traditional blessings, paddlers preparing for their journeys – as well as the celebrations that greeted crews in the villages they visited. Throughout the book, people of many nations speak personally about how important the resurgence of the canoe has been to them and to their communities. …”