Following the lead of Duncan's Ellashani George, who raced at the 2023 IVF World Distance Outrigger Championship in Samoa, and the IVF Va'a World Elite and Club Sprint Championship in 2024, youth from Cowichan have been selected to represent Canada at the 2025 event Aug. 13-31 in Brazil.
Canada is sending a contingent of 32 paddlers to Niterói, Rio de Janeiro to compete.
The junior 16 women's V6 boat will race 16km and includes: Danielle Edwards, Phoenix Elliott (Cowichan), Sarah Elliott (Cowichan), Maleah Harris (Ladysmith), Keira Seward, and Vivianna Thomas. Seward will also compete in the junior 16 women's 12km V1 race.
The junior 19 men's V6 crew will also race 16km and features: Bryce Edwards, Peter Elliott, Nicholas Morris, William Morris, Jacob Seward and Joseph Seward.
Joseph Seward will also race in the Junior 19 men's 12km V1 race.
"This journey is far more than just a race — it is a sacred opportunity to carry their ancestral teachings across the ocean, honouring their culture, their communities, and the water that connects us all," said Rhonda Elliott, the parent of Cowichan paddler Sarah Elliott.
The team is busy fundraising to help offset the costs of the trip.
"These young paddlers are living out the values of discipline, unity, and cultural pride as they train daily — on land and sea — while balancing school, employment, and family responsibilities," Rhonda Elliot said. "They have committed countless hours to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually, racing every weekend and training year-round."
Rhonda Elliot said she hopes the youth will inspire other youth to keep pushing toward their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
"This is a reminder that small-town youth can achieve big things when rooted in culture, community, and perseverance," she said.
A handful of adults from the region and Vancouver Island are also competing.
In the open men's V6 division, the Snuneymuxw Island Brave canoe team will feature Carl Good, Derrick Seward, Allen Wyse, James Wyse, Michael Wyse and Edward Good-Wyse of Nanaimo. They will paddle the 24km course. Michael Wyse will also take on the 16km open men's V1 event
The master 60+ women's V6 crew includes Cowichan's Heather Taylor, Laurel Archer (Courtenay), Annie Boulding (Courtenay), JoAnn Isaacson (Vancouver), Cathy Marr, (Vancouver), and Lisa Robertson (Victoria).
"We are looking forward to racing against the top women from other countries in our age group," said Taylor. She will also paddle in the master 60+ 16km V1 race.
"Two years ago we finished third. I think we have a strong team and we're ready and looking forward to the challenge."
