Nisga'a pullers will once again take to the waters on a multi-day canoe journey launching from Kitimaat on August 2, 2009, traveling along the coastline of Douglas Channel, stopping in Hartley Bay and then traveling along the shores of Grenville Channel, Ogden Channel and arriving in Kitkatla on August 7, 2009.

There will be several canoes representing: Nisga'a Nation, Kitkatla, Haisla Nation, RCMP, DFO and pullers from the NIsga'a communites, Kitkatla, Hartleybay, Kitimaat, Metlakatla BC and Lax kwa' alaams, Rural Deatachment of Prince Rupert, DFO, and other organizations.

Pulling togeher for a common cause, retracing the footsteps of our ancestors, seeing the land though our ancestors eyes, visiting traditionally, sharing of cultures, understanding the different roles and responsibilities of each community, organization, respective first nation and forming common bonds that will connect pullers for a lifetime.

Chiefs, matriarchs, cultrural dance groups waiting on shore for canoes to arrive and listen for the representives on the canoe ask for permission to rest, share and eat with the community along their route to their final destination. Upon arrival pullers are greeted to a grand welcome, paraded in a  chiefs march through the community to the hall where a smorgasbord dinner is waiting prepared by the volunteers in the host community. After the meal words of acknowledgement of the feat of pulling in an ancient mode of transportation, encouragement to continue and prayers for safe travel.

Pullers come together and during the camp outs share each others songs so that upon arrival after the smorgasbord dinner a performance is offered to the host community for their generosity.

Pullers come togeehter as strangers and through the various challenges leave as friends.

Sumitted by: Paul Mercer sr.

If you are interested in learning more and would like to partipate please do not hesitiate to contact; paulm@nisgaa.net