Help us raise $250,000 to repair our cherished canoes, train a new generation of artisans, and build a lasting foundation for cultural revitalization.

For a decade, two traditional dugout canoes—carved from sacred, 300-year-old cedars gifted to us by the Quinault Tribe—have been the heart of our community. They are more than vessels; they are our connection to the water, our ancestors, and each other.

Now, their journey is at risk. One canoe was severely damaged in a car accident, silencing its story and limiting our ability to gather on the water. We have a powerful opportunity not just to repair them, but to transform this challenge into a legacy of strength and knowledge for generations to come.

Your support today helps us return these canoes to the river and empowers our people with the skills to carry our culture forward.

carrying canoe

2023 Landing at Swxnitkw (Paddlers carry snklipkn from the Columbia river)

Our Story, Our Future

These canoes have carried our youth in safety trainings, our elders in ceremonies, and our community in celebration. They are floating classrooms, connecting us to the language, traditions, and spirit of the Upper Columbia River.

The accident that damaged one canoe was a blow to our community, but it has also revealed our path forward. We will not only restore these precious vessels but also use this moment to create something even more enduring.

Our vision is clear and collective:

Repair Today, Teach for Tomorrow: We will host hands-on workshops, inviting master carvers to guide community members in the sacred work of canoe repair. This ensures the skills to maintain our canoes remain within our community.
Build a Lasting Legacy: We will establish the Upper Columbia Canoe Council, a governing body dedicated to the long-term stewardship and advancement of our canoe culture for all who share our river.

This is more than a repair project; it is an act of cultural revitalization. It’s an invitation to join us in ensuring our traditions not only survive but thrive.

Your Gift Makes a Powerful Difference

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and ripples through our community. When we all come together, we can achieve something extraordinary.

$50: Provides sanding and repair supplies for one training station.
$150: Funds a complete safety kit for a youth trainee, including a PFD, gloves, and protective gear.
$300: Offers a stipend for a community member to participate in a weekend repair workshop.
$750: Purchases essential materials for a full section restoration on one canoe.
$2,500: Supports master carver instruction for a multi-day training session.
$10,000: Sponsors an entire community workshop for 10-12 new trainees.
$25,000: Becomes a founding sponsorship for the Upper Columbia Canoe Council.

Our Transparent Plan for Revitalization

We believe in open partnership with our supporters. Your donation directly funds the key pillars of this initiative.

Our $250,000 Goal:

Canoe Repairs & Transport ($95,000): Covers master carver labor, all necessary materials, insurance, and safe transport to and from the repair site.
Community Training & Workshops ($75,000): Funds instructor fees, participant stipends, safety gear, and supplies to empower our own people with restoration skills.
Upper Columbia Canoe Council ($55,000): Provides the foundational support to launch the council, including governance, initial convenings, and communications.
Contingency & Future Needs ($25,000): A 10% fund to ensure we can handle unexpected costs and plan for the canoes' long-term maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will my donation be used?
100% of your donation supports the pillars outlined above: repairing the canoes, running community training workshops, and establishing the Upper Columbia Canoe Council.

What is the timeline?
Our goal is to complete the primary repairs and have the canoes back on the water for community use by next summer. The training workshops will run concurrently, and we aim to formally launch the Canoe Council within the next year.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, the Inchelium Language & Culture Association is a registered non-profit organization. You will receive an email receipt with our tax ID number for your records.

Are there other ways to give?
Absolutely! You can mail a check, inquire about corporate matching programs with your employer, or discuss in-kind donations of materials or professional services by contacting us at [Insert Email Address].

How can I become a fundraiser?
Click the "Become a Fundraiser" button at the top of the page! We'll provide you with a toolkit to help you share this story with your friends, family, and network. It's a powerful way to multiply your impact.

Can I volunteer?
Yes! We will need volunteers for events, workshops, and administrative support. Please contact us at [Insert Email Address] to be added to our volunteer list.

How can I follow your progress?
We will post regular updates on our social media channels and send email newsletters to all our supporters. You will see the direct results of your generosity.

Join Us on This Journey

This is a moment for our community to come together, to heal what was broken, and to build a stronger future. We invite you to be part of this legacy. Thank you for your belief in our vision and your commitment to revitalizing our culture.

Crash our canoe, but not our spirit. #canoecomeback