“Question Mark”

Watercraft

Effect: Competition

Type: Canoe

Place: North America

Use: Salish Racing Canoe

Size: 52' 6"

Date: Circa 1929

Builder/Location: Charlie Anderson, Swinomish Nation

Museum Location: 46

Salish racing canoes are derived from traditional Northwest coast canoes, but their proportions are based on Euro-American rowing shells.

“Question Mark”, Salish Racing Canoe,
circa 1929
Charlie Anderson, Swinomish Nation
La Conner, Washington

Canoe racing developed in the late 19th century among the First Nations people as an important way to promote their culture and strengthen their communities.

Salish racing canoes are derived from traditional Northwest coast canoes, but their proportions are based on Euro-American rowing shells. Crews of 11 race these long dugouts over a grueling 5-kilometer course.

Origin: La Conner, USA, Washington

Question Mark

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