Launching a traditional canoe on the Outaouais river

A traditional birch bark canoe (Wìgwàs Chìman) was launched this July 1st afternoon. Similarly, from the Maison Riveraine of the Commission of the National Capital (CCN), in Ottawa.

The Environmental Organization of Outaouais. Furthermore, the Aboriginal non-profit organization The Assembly of the Seven generations (A7G) worked together on this project.

For 18 months. For example, young Aboriginal people from the various surrounding communities built this canoe, under the supervision of the a possession of anishinabe knowledge Pinock Smithfrom Kitigan Zibi, the Algonquin First Nation located in the Outaouais region.

To see young people get passionate about learning a tradition that has been lost. In addition, that few people can do: I think it’s something that touches my heart, because I haven’t had the chance to do it when I was their agelaunches the traveling teacher launching traditional canoe outaouais river in Aboriginal education, Kareena Butler.

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I am so proud to see. not only the young Algonquins, but also the young people of several indigenous nations who are part of this project, learn their language, the traditions which have been abducted by the government or the churchessaid the member of the Algonquine First Nation of Pikwàkanagàn, launching traditional canoe outaouais river south of Pembroke, Ontario.

I have hope for the future. for young people, because they can now transmit these traditions to their children.

Aboriginal knowledge for Canada’s Day – Launching traditional canoe outaouais river

The date of July 1 for the launching of the traditional. canoe was not chosen at random.

Some members of the Algonquin community of Kitigan Zibi regret that recognition of the territory. as made during official events, does not connect people in an authentic way.

It is important to recognize that we have always occupied the earth. the waternotes the educator Anishinabeg Céline Whiteduck. We are the guards.

This launching traditional canoe outaouais river launch is the recognition that we are there. but it is also a recognition towards the trees which were used for the creation of this canoeinsists the one who is also a member of the Algonquin Circle of Outaouais Algonquin.

Protection of traditions. the environment

The environmental body specifies in a press release thatIt took almost two years of excursions to the forests of Kitigan Zibi and construction workshops in the educational lab to complete the canoeby following Traditional and lasting methods to harvest the spruce roots and birch bark, split the cedar for combination and coating, and seal with pine resin.

This canoe serves as a large metaphor for the state of our watershedspecifies Garde-Rivière des Outaouais.

A birch bark canoe is only possible thanks to a healthy ecosystem. and this canoe almost launching traditional canoe outaouais river did not see the light of day due to the state of the forests of the watershed.

The canoe will stay at home Riveraine, in the Outaouais educational laboratory labois, for educational purposes. The young people of theA7G will participate in the discussions for its use on water.

An education guide on the creation of the traditional canoe will also emerge, under the pen of Kareena Butler.

With information from Alexandra Angers