For the Reporter

Kent and Covington middle and high school students with the Institute for Community Leadership recently teamed up with United Parcel Service volunteers to paint cedar canoe paddles and create community spirit.

A dozen UPS team members from Northwest District headquarters – including seven states – joined the diverse youth as part of a three-year cultural project between the institute and Quinault master carver, Guy Capoeman.

The paddles, made from cedar and fir, will be used to “pull” or paddle a 32-foot ocean-going canoe, which the youth assisted Capoeman in constructing last year. The canoe, built from over 1,000-year-old windfall cedar from the Quinault Indian Nation, and the paddles are an effort to renew culture.

The Kent and Covington students, who come from different races and backgrounds, studied their own respective cultures, as well as that of the Quinault, in participating in the project.

This summer the students travelled to Taholah to participate in the week-long cultural celebrations of Tribal Canoe Journeys with more than 10,000 people. They welcomed the arrival of the “R.S. Capoeman” canoe, “pulled” by Quinault youth through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and down the Pacific Coast.

Project supporters include the Quinault Indian Nation, the Muckleshoot Tribe, U.S. Bank, Moneytree, the Tulalip Tribes, Snoqualmie Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe, Middle Green River Coalition, the Halo Network, and other area businesses.

“Working on the paddles with UPS was a great bonding experience,” said Yajiara Guevarra, a Kent Phoenix Academic sophomore. “My partner, Douglas, had a great sense of compassion and creativity. We learned about each other’s cultures, together.”

Community Relations Supervisor AJ Nelson, added, “It was very inspiring to spend the afternoon with the ICL students. I especially enjoyed hearing about the goals and aspirations of the young people who I painted alongside. After spending just one afternoon at the ICL, I am convinced that the future of our community is bright.”

The UPS Northwest District includes all or part of seven states, including Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and a sliver of northern Nevada and features a package-delivery operation with some 11,000 employees.

The institute prepares youth ambassadors to apply nonviolence leadership in strengthening culture and constructing community.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/icleadership or www.icleadership.org.