Early in the year of 1994, Bill Helin's dream had begun it's transformation into reality. A specially selected 600 year old cedar from the Nimpkish Valley had at last found it's way into the skilful hands of the Tsimshian artist. Helin had a vision of creating a canoe which would travel with the "Tribal Journey", to the 1994 XV Commonwealth Games in Victoria, B.C.

Selecting and shipping the great cedar, were the first two steps toward fulfilling a dream which had shifted from much vision and planning, to gruelling sixteen to eighteen hour days of carving. From dream to reality - this is how the Journey of Ravensong begun.

A number of artists joined Master carver Bill Helin for varying durations. Included were Richard Krentz, Adrian Gordyn, Michael Flanagan, Renee Bellagente, Joe Binne, A.J. Popps and Harold Harry. Others who came to watch were instructed on the use of carving tools. The participants became involved in an experience of cross-cultural sharing, one which occurred throughout the duration of the Ravensong's creation and journey.

The Ravensong attracted people from many different backgrounds. These people came together as a team of carvers, like that of a close family who were bonded by a single goal. Excitement escalated as the launching day approached. With fervour and intensity, the carvers toiled late into the night and early into the morning, day after day, week after week. The dedication of the carving crew created interest and inspiration to those who came by to watch, often resulting in their involvement. It was as simple as being handed a carving tool or a paint brush and being carefully instructed. Because of Helin's sharing, community interest and involvement grew.

                                                              

Onlookers were encouraged to run their hands along the smooth cedar. This was usually a peaceful, personal experience - a chance to touch a smooth, freshly cut, 600 year old cedar. The transformed tree continued to attract much attention. The canoe seemed to demand that it be embraced and cherished. The phenomenon still occurs today. (One of the carvers was seen wrapping his arms around the canoe once each day!) Some of the carvers took special interest in guarding Ravensong at night, by sleeping in the cradle-shaped bow or stern. In the morning they awoke to the invigorating aroma of cedar, fully refreshed to begin carving and painting again. The sweat and blisters on the hands of the carvers indicated that the creation of Ravensong was a labour of love.

The "float test" and final touches to Ravensong took place at the Island Hall Beach Resort in Parksville. At this time the canoe weighed approximately eight hundred pounds, after about two tons of cedar had been carved away. The purpose of the float test was to check the ballast for final adjustments. Helin and the others, who helped push the canoe down the beach on log rollers, were overjoyed at the way it sat in the water. The careful measurements of Helin, Gordyn, Flanagan and Bellagente proved to be correct - few adjustments were necessary. they paddled the forty-foot canoe around Parksville Bay, then rolled it back up onto the beach with the help of volunteers. The Ravensong was now to be prepared for the next step: the steaming process.

The steaming of the canoe was a long, arduous process of heating rocks in a fire pit, then dumping them into the water-filled canoe. When the hot rocks hit the cold water they formed steam, which was trapped in by a canopy. The goal was to spread the sides, widening the canoe. To aid this process, vices were used to spread the now more flexible wood. The steaming started around eight o'clock and ended at about 5 o'clock in the morning. After nine hours of shuffling rocks from the fire pit to the canoe, the eight member stretching team had completed their task. With the blessing of a beautiful sunrise the canoe had been widened by about ten inches.

After two months of carving, the Ravensong awaited the final stages of completion, including paint design, seat installation, shaping of the bow and stern, and the carving of the paddles. These final stages took only two weeks to complete and then the Ravensong was prepared for the launching ceremony. These final stages took two weeks to complete and then the Ravensong was prepared for the launching ceremony. This was a great celebration, open to the public. Native dancers came to share their traditional song and dance. The canoe was blessed and cleansed with cedar boughs and a prayer was spoken to enable a safe journey. The sleek Ravensong canoe was ready to commence it's ocean-bound journey to the Inner Harbour of Victoria, B.C., to arrive at the XV 1994 Commonwealth Games.

During it's journey south along the east coast of Vancouver Island, Ravensong joined other canoes in the "Tribal Journey." These canoes were from as far south as Washington State and as far north as Fort Rupert on Vancouver Island. This "flotilla" became a part of many ceremonies and potlatches along the journey. As dictated by tradition, each nation traveling through foreign waters must seek permission to come ashore in peace. Each time permission was granted, great celebrations took place. The paddlers, or "pullers", were fed and entertained by dancers and singers. Often they would join in the celebrations. The paddlers were a mix of the carving team and volunteers that had worked on Ravensong. As the canoe represented the Nanoose First Nation, some of their members offered to be pullers along the journey, including the Elected Chief, Wayne Edwards.

The "Tribal Journey" canoe flotilla carried the "Queen's Baton", which was transferred from canoe to canoe.

Each canoe represented a native village located along the East Coast of Vancouver Island. This carved sterling silver baton carried a message of goodwill from the First Nations people of the West Coast of B.C. On arrival to the Inner Harbour of Victoria, the Queen's Baton was in possession of the Coast Salish Nation, who carried to shore in the presence of His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip.

                                       

In 1995, the Ravensong, was donated to the Qualicum Beach swimming pool, bearing it's name. The six-hundred year old cedar found it's final resting place on the grounds of the Ravensong  Aquatic Centre, insuring it's lasting legacy. For years to come, people from near and far can share the memories and community spirit created through the "Journey of Ravensong", and the generosity and vision of Tsimshian artist, Bill Helin.