Chumash tribal leader, Alan Salazar
Photos by Patricia Schallert
by Patricia Schallert
On the glorious sunny Sunday of July 21st in Ventura, Chumash Tribal Elder Alan Salazar and Hawaiian Elder Kuma Pilialoha blessed two new traditional outrigger canoes. The Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club, alongside the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club, united in the ceremonial blessings at Harbor Cove Beach. Formerly named “Minkunu” in Chumash language, this sacred beach site holds a profound cultural importance for the indigenous community, showcasing the deep-rooted history and spiritual connection of the Chumash people to the land in the region and Outrigger Canoe Clubs in Ventura.
Norma Cunningham highlighted that the Ventura OC Club was established to uphold and nurture the practice of outrigger canoe paddling in Ventura. The club’s mission includes fostering the Aloha Spirit, preserving the culture and traditions of the Pacific Islands, and instilling a deep respect for the ocean through education and engagement.
Dan Miller, President of the Ventura OC Club, thanked Chumash Elder, Alan and Kumu Piliahoha“ for coming “to help us better understand the cultures and traditions that connect us to this land and to the sport of outrigger canoeing.” Dan also thanked and recognized Club member Jon Huber for handcrafting the wooden outrigger canoe named “Keoni,” which is Hawaiian for “Jon”. He also talked about why the Club named the second canoe being blessed, “Kukuna”, which is Hawaiian for “Rays of the Sun”, saying “As the rays of the sun brighten and give strength, Kukuna will bring opportunity for us to be encouraged and strengthen on our paddling in unity on the ocean.”
As Vice President of the Ventura OC Club, Scott Kroeber highlighted the traditional protocol of seeking permission from the Chumash tribe before bringing the canoes onto their land. Considering Harbor Cove Beach’s historical connection to the Chumash people, it remains revered as sacred ground. Chumash Elder Alan Salazar conducted the welcoming and blessings of the canoes, while OC paddlers, holding up their paddles, respectfully sought permission to step onto the beach in a peaceful manner. The Chumash blessing honors and respects nature, ancestors, and the sea, providing protection and safe travels for canoeists. It symbolizes a deep connection to the environment and the spirits, fostering unity and harmony with the elements.
Hawaiian Kumu also offered blessings upon the Outrigger canoes which are integral to the Polynesian sport. Outrigger canoes, a traditional Polynesian watercraft, are noted for their lateral outriggers, received a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony led by a Kumu which is a cultural/spiritual master teacher, invoking elements, ancestors, and sea spirits. Through offerings of ti leaves, tobacco and sage, offerings were made for the paddlers to seek protection, safe journeys, and unity with nature, while showcasing gratitude and respect for the ocean. Following the blessing, the Ka Hale Hula O Pilialoha Kalani O Hilo troupe performed a traditional Hawaiian Hula dance and rhythmic chant in vibrant costumes and leis, expressing a profound connection to nature and spirituality, resonating with the essence of the both Chumash and Hawaiian blessings.
After the blessing ceremony, Hula dancers, paddlers, Chumash Elder and Hawaiian Kumu gathered for a beach potluck, followed by traditional Hawaiian dancing at Harbor Cove Cafe. The Hawaiian performers practiced at the cafe in preparation for the upcoming Aloha Festival on August 31-September 1st at Surfers Point Promenade Park. The festival will feature various activities, including Aloha-style surfing, paddle board races, outrigger canoes, local Hawaiian dancers, and surf reggae music, with a focus on supporting Ventura’s social and environmental nonprofits through community volunteerism and a spirit of love for the local area.
