The death of Joseph Andrew “Jerry” Jack, a hereditary chief of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht tribe on Vancouver Island, has prompted U.S. and Canadian coast guard officials to strengthen their assistance to tribal leaders in preparing the annual Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey.

Jack drowned July 26 when the Makah canoe in which he was paddling capsized west of Dungeness Spit during this year’s canoe journey to Seattle.

13th Coast Guard District commander Rear Adm. Richard Houck offered his assistance to the tribes in preparing for future journeys in a letter of sympathy sent to the Makah Tribal Council earlier this month.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is ready to assist tribal leaders and event organizers to ensure this important maritime journey is always carried out in ways that are meaningful, enjoyable and as safe as possible,” Houck wrote.

Stations on standby

Some assistance will come in the way of mapping out the journey’s course so Coast Guard stations can be on standby, said Andy Connor, 13th Coast Guard District international tribal liaison officer.

In addition, the Coast Guard will help tribes conduct coldwater survival courses before the journey, as well as other safety preparations.

Connor is also talking with Canadian Coast Guard officials about strengthening communications during the journey because it includes tribes from Canada and the United States.

“I think the key is a little bit better coordination and knowledge ahead of time,” Connor said.

The host tribe for the 2007 Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey is the Lummi tribe near Bellingham.