With regard to the accident on the water on Wed. July 26. In deep respect to the families, we make this a day of prayer.
Tribal Journeys 2006 suffers loss on the water.
It is rare, but not unusual for a canoe to tip over, or even break in the rough waters. This is why cold water training and water safety training are manditory for most of the canoe groups who participate in the annual Native Canoe Journeys. But the loss of life in these incidents is unusual.
In the 17 years since the traditional canoe journeys began anew, with the Paddle to Seattle, there has not been a canoe-related death during journeys until now. So, the shock that swept the canoe journey events and the tribal communities is deep.
With many prayers, the journey continues. Canoes plan to paddle from Suquamish, WA to Seattle on Monday July 31st for the official landing ceremonies of over 60 Native canoes. Elders and Chiefs will be on hand to welcome the canoes ashore.
Canoes will be trailored to Muckleshoot for a five-day event.
Excerpt from Peninsula Daily News:
The canoe, named Hummingbird, was part of the 2006 Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey.
Jack was a hereditary chief of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht tribe in Gold River.”
Articles were sent to us by numbers of people. Here are some.
KOMO News reported this: CLICK HERE.
KING 5 Seattle News CLICK HERE,
Daily Olympian, CLICK HERE,
Peninsula Daily News, CLICK HERE,
Related Stories:
Chief’s paddle carried to end of Journey, CLICK HERE,
Port Townsend returns canoe to Makah, CLICK HERE,
Tribal Journeys Info 
It is July 31st 2007 and we are saddened to recieve this message concerning Mr. Jack’s passing. We did not know him however, in our many years living back in Nanaimo, we were very honoured to have met many friends who were Pullers like Sandy, Willie and family. We miss your wise,great and inspiring beauty, looking back sadly from the East! Hello also to Mr. Runningwater who shall certainly forever rock on!
Pegan
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS FOR THE SON OF THE CHIEF JERRY JACK: AND REST OF THE FAMILY: I LITE A CANDLE IN MEMORY OF YOUR GREAT FATHER, AND TO SAY THAT HE HAVE LEFT A GOOD SON WHO NEVER FORGET HIM! WERE EVER HE IS…AND ME TOO HERE FROM PORTUGAL TO YOU JACK I,M WITH YOU AND WIIL PRAY FOR YOUR FATHER. TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY : KEEP STAYING TOGETHER AND STRONGS! WITH ALL MY LOVE TO YOU JACK SON. ESTRELA
Wow! It is the day after Christmas!The day after what would have been my late Uncle’s 69th birthday. Our family the “JACK FAMILY” We held strong with in our hearts to be happy and celebrate christmas day with a warm but yet mourning feeling that we each had although we couldn’t all be together in one place. We lite a candle in memory of a great man who alot of people came love and know. Especially enjoy his laughter and strength he carried with his great pride in what he believed and loved the most the water and our culture. Take care all! And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From the house of “Tsee-Tsaht” the Jack House from Gold River.
Thank you Michael for your comment. I know Jerry senses you heart message, and appreciates it.
Sue C.
All my relations….
It is October and I have just found out the news on my return….
My heart goes out to all who loved Jerry….
After reflection I find it amazing that out of all the pullers on Tribal Journeys the creator selected Jerry to rise to the occasion of “going home”
He will be missed indeed….but I am sure he and his brother Andy are stirring the pot in the after life…..I am sure I will meet them on the other side when it is my time along with countless elders whom have passed on…..
Ride the wind Brother……until we meet again…..
Michael RunningWater
aka
tsawok