Descendant retraces Clark's footsteps

Besides the significance of the 200th Anniversary of Lewis and Clark launching their canoes from Orofino, this craft had carvings of a snake on the stern to signify leaving the Snake people and on the bow of a bear to signify going to the salmon. Notice the historic stamp to the right of the snake.

Churchhill Clark, fourth great grandson of explorer William Clark and his companions of Lewis and Clark Then and Now: Linking the Trail to America' Students, launched their canoe Thursday afternoon from Ahsahka ramp.

Clark said it was a spiritual journey for him, something he felt his ancestor wanted him to do. The group is following the trail both by land and water to reach Ft. Clatsop on the Pacific coast. He hopes they are able to assist in the rebuilding of the historic fort that was destroyed by fire earlier this week. He said their journey is about meeting with people of all types and helping them understand the expedition and its impact.

The able-bodied unloaded the canoe which was constructed in Lewiston. It made its maiden voyage on the Clearwater, just as those of Lewis and Clark.

Some local children got to take a brief ride in the canoe after it was tested for worthiness. The children are: Daryl Ford, Tory Knapp, Lance Baptist (hidden in center of photo) and Savion Henry.

Members of the expedition and those gathered to see them off, listened as Brooklyn Baptiste, a member of the Nez Perce Tribal Council, spoke about the importance of rediscovering the generosity that was so apparent 200 years ago when the Nez Perce shared their knowledge, food and friendship with Lewis and Clark. Churchhill Clark is the fourth man from the left. The person portraying Meriwether Lewis is in yellow in front.

Baptiste explained that the Nez Perce Tribal religious leaders were at Bear Paw in Montana memorializing and repatriating the remains of some of their ancestors recently returned by the Smithsonian. Calling himself a "common man", Baptiste asked for the mercy and help of the spirits of the water and the grandfathers and grandmothers for those traveling with the canoe. After asking that no photos be taken, he smudged the canoe with sage and then passed it so those assembled could cleanse their spirits and be closer to God.

With hardly a glance back they are on their way. More information is available on the group's web site at: www.ali.apple.com/lewisandclark.