Image
Image Caption
“As a member of the Jesuits, a group that had a residential school that played an integral role in colonization efforts by early Europeans, there is a collective healing that I am participating in. And we are changing the way we do things.”
Calls to Action inspire 850 km canoe paddle for Canada 150
Paddlers will be following a centuries-old First Nations canoe trade route this summer, travelling from Midland, Ont. to Kahnawake First Nation near Montreal, inspired by the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
About 30 people—Indigenous, Jesuit, English and French Canadian—will leave on this month-long, 850-kilometre canoe trip on July 21. The Canadian Canoe Pilgrimage (CCP) will travel up Georgian Bay, across the French River, Lake Nipissing, the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers, and end near Montreal.
“We are retracing this historic route on the 150th anniversary of Canada as a nation, but more importantly we are trying to work for reconciliation,” said Erik Sorensen, SJ (Society of Jesus), the project manager of the pilgrimage.
“As a member of the Jesuits, a group that had a residential school that played an integral role in colonization efforts by early Europeans, there is a collective healing that I am participating in. And we are changing the way we do things.”
Andrew Starblanket, Nēhiyaw (Cree) of the Starblanket First Nation in Saskatchewan, said “I am hoping to learn a lot about the cultures that are going to be there. I guarantee that I’m going to learn a lot about myself and others.”
Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport believe the Canadian Canoe Pilgrimage will “give people the chance to connect with a meaningful part of our history, experience our province’s breathtaking scenery firsthand, and contemplate all that we can achieve by working together.”
Jesuit Pope Francis promotes a “culture of encounter,” a culture where people engage others where they are at, offer welcome and hospitality, and are moved with compassion and the desire to treat all people with dignity, reads a press statement from the group.
“This encounter is not about anything so specifically active. It’s much more about just being with each other, across our respective cultures and traditions,” said Kevin Kelly, SJ, a pilgrimage co-organizer.
“Encountering each other is about being ourselves and being open. This immersion experience into nature will also help participants increase their understanding of the current ecological crisis we face, especially the importance of water and our respect for and treatment of it.”
The pilgrimage itinerary schedules some major landfalls, with dates dependent on weather and other considerations.
July 21 – Departs from Sainte-Marie among the Hurons (Midland, Ont)
July 31 – North Bay, Ont.
August 2 – Mattawa, Ont.
August 6 – Pembroke, Ont.
August 9 – Ottawa, Ont.
August 14 – Montreal, Que.
August 15 – Kahnawake First Nation (close to Montreal)
Special events for the public are also being planned along the route.
The Pilgrimage is funded by donations from The Miller Group, the Ontario 150 Community Celebration Fund, the Canadian Heritage River System, Parks Canada, and Ontario Parks. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine is hosting the launch event on July 21.
The canoe route is a traditional First Nations trading route that was travelled by early European settlers such as Samuel de Champlain and Jean de Brébeuf, who were welcomed and guided by Indigenous peoples.
For more information go to: www.canoepilgrimage.com.
