This is our celebration of our intergenerational cultural heritage paddling our ancestral highways visiting our sacred homelands.
Esqalph etse Kwelengsen (Gathering of the Eagles in Xwlemi’ Language) is celebrating the beginning of Summer 2026 with 6th Annual Gathering of the Eagles (GOTE), May 16-22, 2026.
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We host our journey in a grassroots traditional level with permission of our Kwelengsen clan elders, our family & friends in our the San Juan Islands (our traditional homelands), with honor, hope, healing, happiness & hospitality.
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Like when canoes traveled in the ‘olden days,’ we take only what we need and leave the places we visit — in better than the way than when our canoes first laid foot on the shores…
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Our ‘Celebration of Intergenerational Cultural Heritage’ begins with a seven-island canoe journey with three canoes including: the Octopus Canoe (Carvers Camp), the Hawaiian Voyaging Canoe Society, and Chief Leschi School canoe families. We travel the ancestral highways and Islanders host potluck-potlatch style gatherings of food, including cultural exchanges, storytelling, meditation, prayer circles, traditional and song & dances with some arts & crafts vendors and gift-making.
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The Islands & Destinations
May 16 • Fidalgo & Lopez Islands
May 18 • San Juan Island
May 20 • Shaw & Orcas Island
May 22 • Lummi Island & Island of
Chachusen (Lummi Rez)
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Our Journey concludes with a Clam & Oyster Bake as all events are free & open to the public. ALL PARTICIPANTS COME ON YOUR OWN — Please note: Our Gathering of Eagles committee reserves the right to refuse service to anyone. These are peaceful, community bridge building gatherings in the spirit of tribal journeys. Events are alcohol & drug free.
Learn more about the Gathering of the Eagles 2026 event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/san-juan-islands-puget-sound/6th-annual-gathering-of-the-eagles-may-16-22-2026/711937645272422/
