Ancient Makah Canal

I flew my drone down what was and ancient Makah canal. It's to overgrown to use but I would love to restore it someday!
Why Restore Chaltoos Canal?

The Chaltoos Canal is more than just a forgotten waterway; it’s a direct link to my past, a living testament to the ingenuity and resilience of my ancestors. The canal was once a vital shortcut for the Makah people, a pathway to the Pacific Ocean that avoided the treacherous waters of Cape Flattery. It connected villages, facilitated trade, and ensured safe travel—an essential part of my history that helped sustain my culture and way of life.

Restoring the canal is about reclaiming a vital piece of my heritage. It's about honoring the traditions and practices of my ancestors who used this route to strengthen connections with each other and with the land. Oral history from the elders has passed down stories of this canal’s significance. In particular, Zab Irving used to talk about his efforts as a young man to clear the canal so it wouldn’t become overgrown. He understood the importance of keeping it open so future generations could use it. But as time passed, the logging companies built a road through the northern part of the canal, cutting off the last 25%. Zab eventually had to stop maintaining the waterway, as he was no longer able to drag his canoe across the road when he got older. His story is a reminder of how easy it is to lose touch with our past, but also a call to action—this canal is worth restoring, and it’s up to my generation to bring it back.

I believe restoring Chaltoos is a way to inspire and unify my community. It’s not just about restoring a canal; it’s about restoring a sense of pride, identity, and connection. By working to clear the overgrown paths, repair the waterways, and preserve this historical treasure, I am demonstrating my strength, determination, and commitment to my cultural legacy.

Additionally, the canal, backed by the 1888 land survey, stands as a recognized historical waterway, making its preservation not only an act of cultural revival but one of historical importance. While the canal does pass through private property, its historical significance adds weight to the responsibility of ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The work ahead is no small task, but it’s a labor of love for my people and my culture. This project will allow me to paddle the waters my ancestors once navigated, reconnecting with both the land and each other. The canal may be overgrown, but it still holds memories, stories, and lessons from long ago, waiting to be rediscovered.

I ask for your help, not just to restore a canal, but to restore the Makah people’s connection to our history, our land, and our way of life. Together, I believe we can ensure that future generations are able to paddle the same waters that once carried my ancestors, and keep this important part of my heritage alive for years to come.