By Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Delta Optimist For the first time in nearly a decade, the dip of Tsawwassen First Nation paddles cut through the waters of the Fraser River, marking a long-awaited homecoming during the 25th anniversary of the Pulling Together Canoe Journey. The eight-day voyage, themed Reclaiming Our Waters, brought together more than 220 pullers across a dozen canoes from Aug. 15 to 22. Travelling from Sts’ailes First Nation territory near Agassiz down to Tsawwassen and Musqueam waters, the annual journey pairs Indigenous, youth and community members with public service personnel, including police departments and the Royal Canadian Navy, to foster reconciliation, mutual respect, and cultural healing. For Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN), serving as a host community from Aug. 19 to 22 and crewing their own…




