A community-based public health initiative integrating a traditional war canoe culture within today's contemporary lifestyles: the 'C.E.D.A.R.' project.

How many people have experienced the thrill of a competition that spans generations upon generations and is distinctly unique to the Northwest Coastal Salish Tribes. War canoe racing still exists today and is a constant reminder of a way of life that is quickly vanishing, almost as fast as the ancient forests of cedar--the tree of life for the Northwest Tribes. The C.E.D.A.R. Project's overall mission is 'to improve the health of the Lummi community.' The goals of the workplan seek collaboration of the partners and institutional change; increased health related education and health professions opportunities; and empowerment of the community partners to assure the sustainability of the Community-Based Public Health Initiative.