06/08/2026
On behalf of the Cultus Lake Water Sports Committee, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make this weekend possible. Thank you to the paddlers, coaches, canoe clubs, families, spectators, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff who all played a role in bringing this gathering together.
Thank you to everyone who travelled from near and far to join us on the shores of Cultus Lake. Your presence, effort, patience, and commitment are what keep this tradition alive.
We are especially grateful to our sponsors and community partners whose support helps ensure this event remains accessible, safe, and welcoming for all. To the Cultus Lake Park staff, thank you for working alongside us to host one of the longest-running Indigenous sporting events in the region.
This year carried a lot of emotion for us as a committee. It is never an easy thing to step into the shoes of those who came before us, but we recognize that this responsibility was left in our hands for a reason.
As we reflect on another year, we honour the organizers, volunteers, paddlers, Elders, knowledge keepers, and community leaders whose dedication carried this gathering through generations. The foundation they built is what allows us to continue moving forward today. Their hard work, vision, and commitment created something much bigger than a canoe race—they created a gathering that continues to bring people together year after year.
At the end of the day, we do this for the sport, for the teachings and traditions, for our young people, and for those who simply need to keep paddling. For one weekend, families came together, old friends reconnected, new memories were made, and even if just for just a moment we hope your sickness, sadness, and sorrow felt a little lighter.
To our local canoe clubs, the legacy of this race is carried within each of your clubs. If we are going to continue honouring the ones who started it, we invite you to come forward, be part of the work, and help us continue building this gathering in a good way.
Thank you all for being part of this year's gathering and for helping carry this tradition forward. We are grateful beyond words and look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Xólhmethetchexw lámexw ley leq'álqel te lá:lem, Mekw’ tel sq’eqo 🦅
