Skeena Swim News
August 10 2009 » Skeena Swim » Terrace Daily
Ali Unites the People of the NW
There is no describing the emotional impact on almost everyone who witnessed this event. The shouts from the shores and the bridges were one thing to see and hear as she passed through Terrace but as she arrived at the Kalum River the monumental energy and determination of this woman, her absolute commitment was not just awe inspiring, it was an example of bravery, honour and inspiration that had tears flowing from even the toughest and hardened individual.
First Nations Chiefs and Matriarchs were emotionally moved as were the crowds surrounding this incredulous moment.
Watch the video HERE and witness her as she fights the current to cross the Kalum River when she arrived at the Kitsumkalum Reserve. It was a moment of beauty.
The president of the Nisga’a Nation, Nelson Leeson, acknowledged her efforts and concurred with the Haisla representative Gerald Amos, Ali Howard has brought all the peoples of the Northwest together for a common purpose, to protect the life of the unpolluted Skeena waters. Terrace Mayor Dave Pernarowski also spoke about the inspirational impact she has made.
Watch the Ceremonies HERE.
Ali Howard passed under the old Skeena Bridge at around 3:00pm Sunday accompanied by four large river rafts, a number of kayaks and a large ceremonial canoe. Ali continued to swim every inch of the length of the Skeena River and will continue until it reaches the Pacific Ocean, 610 kilometers from where she started, where the water was only ankle deep and you could almost step across it.
On Saturday evening the entourage was entertained by the Kitselas after they swam to shore at the Kitselas Canyon. Beginning the swim again on Sunday they were greeted to great cheers all along the shore line and the bridges. After passing around Terrace, as the Skeena does, the crew all took a break on a gravel bank across the Skeena River from Brauns Island to warm up next to a fire.
People were lined up along Skeena Street and along the banks of the river on Frank Street. As Ali Howard approached the Kitsumkalum Reserve the current of the Kalum forced all the rafts off to the edges, none could continue against the heavy fast flow. Howard however continued to swim the entire length of the channel, refusing to give up an inch of it to the message she was sharing.
When she finally reached the launch at Fisherman’s wharf on the east side of the Kalum River, Ali worked her way up the shore line and then in a flash and a burst of energy that can only be likened to something super human, she plunged into the raging current with arms and legs driving her half way where the force of the current was interrupted by the highway 16 bridge pillar and log jam. She paused for just a few moments and then drove ahead again to screams and cheers and drumming such that the air and the moment was electric with astonishment.
Both of the Native leaders from the outlying lands who were at the Kitsumkalum territory on Sunday wish to encourage all the leaders, from all walks of life, from all nations, to join together in Prince Rupert when this team arrives on the 15th of August. They express how important the river is to everyone and how this one woman has created a spark that has ignited a fire.
The Skeena Swim final event, where all are encourage to attend in; droves, flocks, hordes, etc. etc. is at both Port Edward and Prince Rupert. They expect to arrive and celebrate at the North Pacific Cannery in Port Edward at Noon on Saturday. The celebrations will then move to the Nisga’a Hall in Prince Rupert beginning at 7:30 pm. This will be an evening family event featuring a live concert by Los Gringos Salvajes of Smithers and northern BC’s one and only female rock star Rachelle Van Zanten. They will be providing lots of food and nourishment for those gathered.
One marvelous woman indeed. Join her as she arrives in Prince Rupert on August 15, 2009 to conclude this 610 kilometer swimming journey. Follow at http://www.skeenawatershed.com
