Something beautiful happens within the human heart when a gift is given--it shines. Historically, a fact often overlooked is that Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark committed one blatantly offensive act during their 1804-1806 expedition. Often, these types of offenses are committed out of ignorance, not ill intent. A lack of understanding does not validate the offense, as there are myriad situations throughout history where this is the case, yet it has never been articulated nor clarified. Only through communication and understanding can a wrong be righted and healing begin. Desperation led Captain Lewis and Captain Clark to steal a canoe from the Clatsop for their homeward journey. Seven generations later, descendants meet by chance in a canoe, and the account of the theft is told. It is in this meeting that the story of A Canoe Named Klmin is born.