SPARROW CANOE SUPPORT
A Message from Captain Randy Sonnier
August 2024
The hot days and colder nights of August are a reminder we are nearing the end of the season. This is always a bitter sweet time in our calendar knowing autumn and winter are fast approaching and the canoes will be off the water.
​
The Pearl and her crew have had an amazing time so far this year. With All Nations off the water for Tribal Journeys, we had the opportunity to support other canoe families as they made their way to Puyllup to honour the invitation of the tribe to gather in their territories.
​
It was a good reminder to pause and reflect upon the amazing relationship Sparrow Canoe Support has with All Nations and how fortunate we are to have been embraced by the canoe family so wholeheartedly.
​
We are always so blessed when the Pearl is full of All Nations members - from the very young Tobias who has yet to celebrate his first birthday, to our most senior pullers with their distinctive eagle paddle stroke pushing the canoe forward with strength and teachings - each bringing a unique gift and voice that completes our circle.
​
The crew and I were asked to join the family in dedicating and personalizing a paddle for the Strong Women of the Water canoe. Skipper Sven, First Mate Magnus, and I, are honoured to have been included in this amazing tribute to the women in our lives who have, and continue to, inspire us. We are humbled and proud to be part of this family and as we witness these new paddles touch the water for the first time, raise our hands to all the women who guide our travels and support us with their words and actions everyday. To each of you, we say emote - hu huy ch q'u - thank you!​
​
With great respect and appreciation.
​
Randy
May 2024
We are currently underway enroute to Lummi to meet the Oliver Canoe Family and begin the 2024 Tribal Journeys to Puyuallup. For over three months, the Pearl and her crew have been navigating the Salish Sea, supporting the All Nations Paddles Up canoes.
​
There was such excitement as the new Strong Women of the Water Canoe launched on the shores of the Tsawout First Nation on Vancouver Island. What a tremendous accomplishment for All Nations Paddles Up!
​
Turning a vision into a reality is painstaking work. I know first hand, from my experience running the Pearl, how difficult it can be without a full compliment of support.
​
To that end, we raise our hands to all those who have assisted us so far this year. The marinas who provided us shelter and moorage, the funders who have enabled us to keep the ship running and in good repair, and the volunteers who have helped in so may ways it would be impossible to capture them all.
​
And of course, our sincerest and greatest appreciation goes to the canoe families who entrust us with their loved ones. From the youngest to the oldest, we have such tremendous respect and love for you. You make space at your table to nourish us and widen your circle to allow the medicine to flow in our direction. You likely are unaware of the impact you have on the ship and the crew, but it is immeasurable. For every moment we spend with you, we generate a million memories which will carry us through to next season and for that we are incredibly, and humbly, grateful.
​
I hope our paths will cross soon. Until then,
​
Randy
May 2024
The start of canoe season is nearly here. It's so exciting to think the canoes will be on the water in just 7 days!
​
It has been a busy off-season for the Pearl. She has been refit with a new wheelhouse which will ensure the crew is able to stay out of the elements if the weather turns bad. Our thanks goes to everyone on Vashon Island and beyond, who helped with supplies and construction.
We also continue to make adjustments inside so we are able to support pullers who need a moment or two off the water.
​
As always, All Nations Paddles Up plays a big role in our work. We are pleased to once again be supporting them as they welcome their new canoe "Strong Women of the Water" to tribal journeys. The canoe family has chosen to take on several small pulls to better accommodate members and their work schedules. A total of six events are planned, making it a busy summer.
​
We will also join with the Oliver Canoe Family mid-season as they connect with other canoes on the water in Washington.
​
Wherever your canoe is pointed this summer, we wish you safe, wonderful travels. We hope to see you along the way.
​
Until then,
​
Randy
August 2023
​
Tribal Journeys 2023 Paddle to Muckleshoot has now ended. It has been amazing to reconnect with so many old friends and meet so many new ones along the way.
Without a doubt, the pandemic has left a lingering legacy that will take many years to erase but I was inspired at how we worked to mitigate any challenges to ensure the best journey and experience possible.
What an honour it has been to support the All Nations delegation this year. From our training day at Stz'uminus First Nation to the landing at Alki Beach, there is so much to be thankful for.
​To the crew of the Pearl - Skipper Sven, Mates Magnus and Luke, you each played a critical role in helping the canoes stay safe throughout their journey. The many little things you each did to welcome pullers aboard did not go unnoticed, and I appreciate your dedication to the cause and your willingness to go the extra distance to make sure things were done right.
​In September, we will once again point the Pearl north and head towards Port Hardy on Vancouver Island to provide support to Strong Women of the Water, our final trip this season. This is an amazing event in one of the most breathtaking areas of the coastal corridor. I hope you will join us.
​Until then,
​Randy
May 2023
​
It’s hard to believe as we leave Shell Beach on July 19th, I will begin my 15th year assisting ocean-going canoes on the annual Tribal Journeys pilgrimage. I had no idea that first summer the profound and continuing impact the canoes would have on my life, nor could I have imagine the good medicine I would receive.
Working alongside Sue Oliver of the Oliver Canoe Family, has been amazing. To watch our canoe family grow and evolve, and witness their strength and spirit as they honour their ancestors with sacred protocols and traditions.
When I was gifted the Pearl from Chuck Wagner and the Suquamish Warriors during COVID, I wondered how we could use this beautiful ship to support to the canoes. Shortly after, I joined with a small group of seasoned Tribal Journeys leaders, from both sides of the border, anxious to create an organization on a similar mission. All Nations Paddles Up will help The Pearl and her crew realize our vision and help ensure our canoes have the best support available.
I have been truly blessed by the amazing experiences and people I have met along the way. I have been welcomed by your families in times of great celebration and great sadness. You have provided your gift of friendship and love and have allowed me embrace this way of life year round. It is a privilege and honour I cherish.
On behalf of myself and the crew of the Pearl, we welcome you aboard and look forward to seeing you on the water.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
A Message from Captain Randy Sonnier
August 2024
The hot days and colder nights of August are a reminder we are nearing the end of the season. This is always a bitter sweet time in our calendar knowing autumn and winter are fast approaching and the canoes will be off the water.
​
The Pearl and her crew have had an amazing time so far this year. With All Nations off the water for Tribal Journeys, we had the opportunity to support other canoe families as they made their way to Puyllup to honour the invitation of the tribe to gather in their territories.
​
It was a good reminder to pause and reflect upon the amazing relationship Sparrow Canoe Support has with All Nations and how fortunate we are to have been embraced by the canoe family who have welcomed us wholeheartedly.
​
We are always so blessed when the Pearl is full of All Nations members - from the very young Tobias who has yet to celebrate his first birthday, to our most senior pullers whose distinctive eagle paddle stroke pushes the canoe forward with strength and teachings - each bringing a unique gift and voice that completes our circle.
​
The crew and I were asked to join the family in dedicating and personalizing a paddle for the Strong Women canoe. Skipper Sven, First Mate Magnus, and I, are honoured to have been included in this amazing tribute to the women who have, and continue to, inspire us. We are honoured and proud to be part of this family and as we witness these new paddles touch the water for the first time, raise our hands to all the women who guide our travels and support us with their words and actions everyday. To each of you, we say emote - hu huy ch q'u - thank you!​
​
With great respect and appreciation.
​
Randy
May 2024
We are currently underway enroute to Lummi to meet the Oliver Canoe Family and begin the 2024 Tribal Journeys to Puyuallup. For over three months, the Pearl and her crew have been navigating the Salish Sea, supporting the All Nations Paddles Up canoes.
​
There was such excitement as the new Strong Women of the Water Canoe launched on the shores of the Tsawout First Nation on Vancouver Island. What a tremendous accomplishment for All Nations Paddles Up!
​
Turning a vision into a reality is painstaking work. I know first hand, from my experience running the Pearl, how difficult it can be without a full compliment of support.
​
To that end, we raise our hands to all those who have assisted us so far this year. The marinas who provided us shelter and moorage, the funders who have enabled us to keep the ship running and in good repair, and the volunteers who have helped in so may ways it would be impossible to capture them all.
​
And of course, our sincerest and greatest appreciation goes to the canoe families who entrust us with their loved ones. From the youngest to the oldest, we have such tremendous respect and love for you. You make space at your table to nourish us and widen your circle to allow the medicine to flow in our direction. You likely are unaware of the impact you have on the ship and the crew, but it is immeasurable. For every moment we spend with you, we generate a million memories which will carry us through to next season and for that we are incredibly, and humbly, grateful.
​
I hope our paths will cross soon. Until then,
​
Randy
May 2024
The start of canoe season is nearly here. It's so exciting to think the canoes will be on the water in just 7 days!
​
It has been a busy off-season for the Pearl. She has been refit with a new wheelhouse which will ensure the crew is able to stay out of the elements if the weather turns bad. Our thanks goes to everyone on Vashon Island and beyond, who helped with supplies and construction.
We also continue to make adjustments inside so we are able to support pullers who need a moment or two off the water.
​
As always, All Nations Paddles Up plays a big role in our work. We are pleased to once again be supporting them as they welcome their new canoe "Strong Women of the Water" to tribal journeys. The canoe family has chosen to take on several small pulls to better accommodate members and their work schedules. A total of six events are planned, making it a busy summer.
​
We will also join with the Oliver Canoe Family mid-season as they connect with other canoes on the water in Washington.
​
Wherever your canoe is pointed this summer, we wish you safe, wonderful travels. We hope to see you along the way.
​
Until then,
​
Randy
August 2023
​
Tribal Journeys 2023 Paddle to Muckleshoot has now ended. It has been amazing to reconnect with so many old friends and meet so many new ones along the way.
Without a doubt, the pandemic has left a lingering legacy that will take many years to erase but I was inspired at how we worked to mitigate any challenges to ensure the best journey and experience possible.
What an honour it has been to support the All Nations delegation this year. From our training day at Stz'uminus First Nation to the landing at Alki Beach, there is so much to be thankful for.
​To the crew of the Pearl - Skipper Sven, Mates Magnus and Luke, you each played a critical role in helping the canoes stay safe throughout their journey. The many little things you each did to welcome pullers aboard did not go unnoticed, and I appreciate your dedication to the cause and your willingness to go the extra distance to make sure things were done right.
​In September, we will once again point the Pearl north and head towards Port Hardy on Vancouver Island to provide support to Strong Women of the Water, our final trip this season. This is an amazing event in one of the most breathtaking areas of the coastal corridor. I hope you will join us.
​Until then,
​Randy
May 2023
​
It’s hard to believe as we leave Shell Beach on July 19th, I will begin my 15th year assisting ocean-going canoes on the annual Tribal Journeys pilgrimage. I had no idea that first summer the profound and continuing impact the canoes would have on my life, nor could I have imagine the good medicine I would receive.
Working alongside Sue Oliver of the Oliver Canoe Family, has been amazing. To watch our canoe family grow and evolve, and witness their strength and spirit as they honour their ancestors with sacred protocols and traditions.
When I was gifted the Pearl from Chuck Wagner and the Suquamish Warriors during COVID, I wondered how we could use this beautiful ship to support to the canoes. Shortly after, I joined with a small group of seasoned Tribal Journeys leaders, from both sides of the border, anxious to create an organization on a similar mission. All Nations Paddles Up will help The Pearl and her crew realize our vision and help ensure our canoes have the best support available.
I have been truly blessed by the amazing experiences and people I have met along the way. I have been welcomed by your families in times of great celebration and great sadness. You have provided your gift of friendship and love and have allowed me embrace this way of life year round. It is a privilege and honour I cherish.
On behalf of myself and the crew of the Pearl, we welcome you aboard and look forward to seeing you on the water.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​