Centuries ago, long before the first Europeans came to the Northwest, the Cowlitz and other indigenous tribes used the rivers as their transportation routes.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe returned to the Columbia River on Friday to remember its past and to forge new bonds and friendships.

A 31-foot canoe carrying tribal members pulled up shortly after noon to the beach at Vancouver’s Marine Park. The Cowlitz canoe was accompanied by a second canoe from Portland All Nations, which is open to Native Americans regardless of tribal affiliation, and two motorized escorts.

“What it means to us is to honor our ancestors,” said Tanna Engdahl, the tribe’s spiritual leader, as she waited for the canoes to arrive at Marine Park. “The Cowlitz don’t do anything without calling to our ancestors.”

Rivers are the lifeblood running through the Cowlitz, Engdahl said.

“Most of us on this beach are related,” she said. “Standing by our relatives on this beach are our ancestors.”