Ottawa Riverkeeper launches Traditional Canoe-Building Workshops with support from Ottawa Community Foundation

Posted Sep 20, 2023 07:00:10 AM.
Last Updated Sep 19, 2023 03:10:14 PM.
In its continuing journey towards supporting Truth and Reconciliation, the Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF) has provided a grant to the Ottawa Riverkeeper to share the age-old tradition of birch bark canoe construction through the Canoeing Together Initiative. This program, far beyond its educational scope, serves as a bridge, connecting Indigenous youth with their ancestral crafts while fostering an enriched understanding of the significance of these traditions in today’s world. The grant through the OCF’s Community Grants Program was made possible with help from a generous fundholder.
About Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF)
The Ottawa Community Foundation is one of 205 community foundations in Canada dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in their respective regions. OCF simplifies philanthropy by providing flexible options for donors to support various charitable causes, either through named funds or unrestricted funds. In Ottawa, OCF manages assets worth $250M, granting approximately $15M annually and supporting over 800 charities.
Learn more about the Ottawa Community Foundation and its work.
Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Mission
Ottawa Riverkeeper is a charitable entity committed to fostering collaborative efforts to ensure a thriving Ottawa River watershed for all. Their initiatives range from conservation programs to educational outreach.
Introducing: Canoeing Together Initiative
As part of its ongoing commitment to acknowledge the calls-to-action for Truth and Reconciliation, the Ottawa Community Foundation is supporting Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Canoeing Together Initiative, a program that invites Indigenous youth to partake in traditional canoe-building under the guidance of an Algonquin craftsperson.
Collaborative Efforts
The Canoeing Together Initiative thrives through collaboration. Pinock Smith, an Algonquin craftsperson from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation in Quebec, leads the canoe-building sessions. Furthermore, a distinguished Advisory Circle, comprising Algonquin community leaders and youth, imparts invaluable insights and guidance. The Indigenous youth group, A7G, is also actively involved, with participation open to all interested Indigenous youth.
Diving Deeper: Canoeing Together
The Canoeing Together Initiative aims to integrate Algonquin knowledge into Ottawa Riverkeeper’s existing programs. CEO and Riverkeeper, Laura Reinsborough, remarks, “This is the first time that Ottawa Riverkeeper is undertaking a birchbark canoe build. These sessions not only impart knowledge but create a profound connection between participants, the water, and the land.
“Pinock is the master builder and a traditional craftsperson who knows this work and the teachings that come along with building the birchbark canoe,” she notes. The build, though faced with initial setbacks due to wildfires, is an iterative process taking place at the newly built River House, which opened its doors to the public in late July. Reinsborough highlights the three-season Learning Lab, which is located on the first floor, is too cold to work in through the winter, “We’re hopeful that the Initiative can be completed this fall, but we’re in no rush. We can continue in the spring if that’s how the weather goes.”
Why It Matters
This program resonates deeply, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the stewardship of Anishinābeg Algonquin Nations over these lands and waters. Building a birch bark canoe necessitates healthy forests and rivers, reinforcing the vital relationship between the environment and the craft.
The Beneficiaries
While Indigenous youth stand as the direct beneficiaries, the ripple effect of this initiative touches learners of all ages. Those observing the canoe-building, whether at River House or through online channels, gain a newfound appreciation for the watershed’s health.
Measuring Success
Success is envisioned as a harmonious blend of cultural education and nature appreciation. If Indigenous youth can delve deeper into their roots and connect with the Ottawa River, and if the general populace gains a genuine understanding of Indigenous perspectives on the watershed, then the program’s objectives are realized.
The Canoeing Together Initiative is more than just an educational program; it’s a necessary step in the ongoing journey of Reconciliation. Respect for waters is central, and as emphasized by the Advisory Circle, “by canoeing together, we embark on this journey rightfully.”
The Power of Support
The unwavering support from organizations like OCF is paramount. Their contributions facilitate impactful educational programs like this, which not only educate but also cultivate community bonds. “I’m truly grateful to the Ottawa Community Foundation for allowing us to embark on this project, especially as we approach the national day for Truth and Reconciliation,” says Reinsborough. “Their support underscores the vital role non-Indigenous organizations like OCF play in promoting reconciliation.”
Join the Journey
To partake in this collective journey of Reconciliation and support Ottawa Riverkeeper, follow the canoe-building project on social media, donate, or simply spread the word.
For more details on Ottawa Riverkeeper’s endeavours and the canoe-building project, follow them on social media or subscribe to their newsletter.
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