Wailaki People Celebrate Return of Traditional Redwood Canoe to the Eel River After 170 Years

Kinest’e Ku-Nus, a Wailkai Redwood Canoe, has returned to the Xa-Cho or Eel River after a 170-year absence.

On June 1, 2024 about 100 community members, including elders, youth, and tribal leaders, gathered in Alderpoint to embark on a journey down the Eel River to Fort Seward. This event marked the culmination of two years of work by Wailaki- Kinest’e tribal members, with support from the Yurok and Wiyot tribes, to revive the ancient tradition of carving Redwood canoes—a practice nearly lost due to colonization.

For Perry Lincoln, founder of Native Health and Native Hands, this journey began two decades ago with a vision. “The dream wasn’t like a dream where you go to sleep and wake up,” he said. “It was more like a thought that came because Native people in this area… have always wanted cultural awareness for the region.” This summer, that vision came to life as the newly completed canoe launched on the Eel River.

The canoe’s completion was a significant cultural revival, symbolizing the community’s resilience and unity. Perry Lincoln addressed the crowd, stating, “We haven’t had a canoe on the water for about 170 years… but today is a day when we’re coming back again. We’re not broken; we’re coming back together.” He thanked the community for their support and highlighted the importance of restoring access to traditional lands, cultural practices, and ecological restoration.

The launch was not only a celebration of traditional practices but also a moment of connection across generations. Elders, youth, and Native communities from across the region participated, with many expressing hope that the event would inspire more young people to embrace their heritage.

Perry Lincoln stood beside the redwood canoe, reflecting on the journey’s significance. “We all have it in our hearts to do what’s good for our people… If I have the time to try to revive our culture, that’s what I’m going to do.”