The Spirit Hawk Canoe Club is gaining momentum throughout the Northwest, and popularity here at home

After many years, the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club, called the Suquamish Canoe Club in previous years, has been re-established. Suquamish youth and adults are training and traveling; representing at war canoe races throughout Washington State and Canada.

"I've always wanted our canoe club to return and be more active. And, this year, it has finally worked out. It is happening," said Barb Santos, coach of the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club.

Santos added that this year there were many encouraging messages sent her way to guide her into getting the canoe club up and going including increasing interest from tribal youth. The largest turnout for practices this season included 19 youth, with up to 11 traveling to compete in races with other Tribes and First Nations.

"We have been able to take our 11-man Spirit Hawk, and our 6-man The Muz, at least four singles and two double-man war canoes to many of the races this season and are now at the half way point in the 2014 race schedule," said Santos.

Canoe races the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club have participated in so far this year include, Nooksack at Stommish Grounds, Chilliwack Landing, Cultus Lake, Scowlitz, Lummi Stommish Days and Ambleside Beach. This month, racers will be traveling to Chemainus Bay. The canoe racing season lasts May-August each year, wrapping up at Makah Days in Neah Bay. One of the events the canoe club is looking forward to this year are the races scheduled at home, during Chief Seattle Days.

"We are excited to race our 11-man and our 6-man in the junior buckskin category at Chief Seattle Days this year, something that has not happened in quite some time," said Santos.

For more information about the Spirit Hawk Canoe Club and the rest of the schedule this year, contact Barb Santos, bsantos@suquamish.nsn.us or 360-394-7107.