NOVEMBER 1, 2014
S MOKE S IGNALS
5
Heyaza Brien, left, and
Nokoa Mercier show a
gift that the Grand Ronde
Canoe Family received
from the Heiltsuk, the First
Nations of Bella Bella,
British Columbia, and
host Tribe of the Canoe
Journey this past summer,
during the journey.
The gift was carried
around the plankhouse
for everyone to see and
will be displayed in the
plankhouse.
Fourth birthday feted
On Saturday, Oct. 18, a fourth birthday celebration was held for
Achaf-hammi, the Tribe’s plankhouse. It included drumming, sing-
ing, dancing and dinner, which included stew, salmon and lamprey,
and a giveaway.
Kyoni Mercier performs a paddle dance with other Grand Ronde Canoe
Family girls.
Kaikanim Mercier warms his drum before drumming and singing.
David Harrelson, left, and Brian Krehbiel fl ip lamprey as
they cook it in the fi re pit behind the plankhouse to serve
with dinner. Salmon also was cooked over the fi re.
Photos by Michelle Alaimo