August 22, 2023 | Leg 6, Day 15

Posted August 22, 2023

By Dan Kinzer

Crew Update

August 22, 2023 | Leg 6, Day 15.
Victoria, B.C.

Hōkūle’a and the Leg 6 crew were given a beautiful greeting by the Songhees into the lək̓ʷəŋən traditional territory and what is now known to many as Victoria’s Inner Harbor. Tucked into the corner of the harbor we were flanked on one side by the historic Empress Hotel and on another side by the British Columbia Parliament building. After exchanging traditional protocol, and the crew requesting permission to come ashore, we were welcomed and gifted with a powerful prayer song and dance. Captain Bruce and the crew were also gifted a very special “”Wild Woman””, or Tsonokwa, mask – inviting us to go on a learning journey about the significance of the beautiful carving and stories behind the mask.

Many other friends of Hōkūle’a traveled from throughout the region to come and visit the wa’a and the crew, including a hui of paddlers who escorted us into the harbor. We settled into our new home, gathered up some groceries for dinner and breakfast, and watch captain and cook Gary Yuen and crew member Tom Huska made an ono dinner for the whole crew on board. It was wonderful to arrive into a new port today and make connections with this community and place that will last forever. We’re all eager for the learning journeys we’ll share while here for the next two days.

-Dan Kinzer