Boys racing war canoes at Snuneymuxw Days. (Liam Prendergast / CHLY 101.7FM)

The fifth annual Snuneymuxw Days brought people together on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation this past weekend to celebrate culture, community and competition.

Held from July 24th to 26th, the three-day celebration featured war canoe racing, basketball, the traditional Indigenous game lahal (also known as the bone game), and soccer, a new addition this year. Beyond the sporting events, attendees were able to enjoy a variety of local food trucks and vendors, as well as activities for all ages.

Girls racing war canoes at Snuneymuxw Days. (Liam Prendergast / CHLY 101.7FM)

Chief Mike Wyse of the Snuneymuxw First Nation shared how the event has continued to expand each year since they began building it five years ago.

“We brought this together five years ago, and we've been progressing every year and building on it. It's grown tremendously. You know, we've brought soccer into the weekend now, basketball, the Lahal bone game, a lot of food vendors, and kid zone. So it's growing as we move down the years here,” said Chief Wyse.

While the event has grown, Chief Wyse said its values have remained the same.

“We always promote drug and alcohol-free at these events, and we make sure that doesn't happen here. So, you know, when we can share that with our youth, this day particular, Friday, is always for the youth. And when we can promote that and they take that away with them, we know we're getting through to them and sharing the goodness of life.”

Eli Wyse will represent Canada at the world sprints of the International Outrigger Canoe Racing Championship. (Liam Prendergast / CHLY 101.7FM)

For athlete Eli Wyse, son of Chief Wyse, the weekend represents much more than competition.

The younger Wyse is a member of the Island Brave Canoe Club and has been a war canoe racer since he was 12 years old, travelling to different First Nations communities to compete.

Outside of Snuneymuxw Days, Wyse is preparing to compete on the world stage at the International Outrigger Canoe Racing Championship.

“I'll be flying out August 15th. I'll be representing Canada at the world sprints, so it's a huge honour to, you know, not only represent my family and my canoe club but also my nation on the world stage,” said Wyse.

Wyse explained that the war canoe racing format at the Snuneymuxw Days event demands endurance over the two-day adult competition, with championship races taking place on the Sunday.

“Sundays are the ones that matter 'cause it depends on who can recover overnight and who can do it two days in a row, but even then, if you can't win on Saturday, if you can win Sunday, people are impressed. … You know, war canoe racing, they're short races, but I always tell people all the time, it's a marathon, not a sprint,” said Wyse.

Wyse explained that the sport's importance extends far beyond winning races.

“Well, this sport has been a part of our indigenous lives. You know, it's been passed down from generation to generation to generation. It's in our blood to race. It's in our blood to compete, and there's nothing better than to be out here and be healthy. … So keeps us out of trouble on the weekends and keeps us in shape, keeps us travelling, and yeah, this sport saves lives,” said the young Wyse.

First-time attendee Elena Collens came to the event after hearing about it through social media and the local news.

The underside of a racked canoe. (Liam Prendergast / CHLY 101.7FM)

Collens said she was immediately impressed by the organization of the event and the support shown to the young paddlers.

“I'm really impressed with how well organized it is. And just looking at the participants, especially the children, and the skills that they have and all the help they have around them, support boats and people in the water guiding them. It's awesome.”

While war canoe racing remains Eli Wyse’s passion, seeing the event continue to grow is what he enjoys most about the weekend.

“It's just good to see 'cause, you know, this started out with just canoe pulling and now Snuneymuxw Days are opened up to everybody, and we're able to accommodate a little bit of everything,” said Wyse.

As Snuneymuxw Days continues to evolve each year, the core message of the event remains the same: “a celebration of our sacred lands, waters, and each other.”

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