Pulling Together canoe journey marks 25 years of reconciliation with stops in Surrey, Delta
Published 9:00 am Saturday, August 22, 2026
More than 200 people paddled Harrison and Fraser rivers during the 2026 Pulling Together canoe journey, a 25th-annual event that aims to promote healing, reconciliation and respect for Indigenous host nations.
The journey began Aug. 15 in the Agassiz area and ended nine days later after stops at Matsqui Regional Park, Barnston Island and Wellington Point Park in Delta, through the territories of Katzie, Matsqui, Kwikwetlem, Tsawwassen and Musqueam First Nations.
The “pullers” include Indigenous people, youth, police and public service personnel, inspired by the 1997 Vision Quest Journey along B.C.’s coast.
Public agencies involved this year are Royal Canadian Navy, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Indigenous Policing Services, West Vancouver and Vancouver police departments, Stantec, Justice institute of B.C. and Simon Fraser University.
“This journey marks 25 years of reconciliation,” said Betty Kruger-Cardenas, president of Pulling Together Canoe Society.
“As we paddle together, work together, and camp together, we also learn together, which strengthens our relationships and hopefully lays the foundation for a better future for all of us.”
Photos and stories are shared on Pulling Together’s Facebook page and on pullingtogether.ca.