Updates, Presentations, Interviews, and Celebrations!
November 30, 2022
Our Land, Our People:
The Algonquins
Presentation by guest speaker:
Merv Sarazin, Band Councillor, Pikwakanagan First Nation
Historical Society of Ottawa – Virtual Speaker Series
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
7:00 PM
Online via Zoom
to register or for more information please visit:

Post presentation summary
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Councillor Merv Sarazin presented the history of the Algonquin. He started with its’ known origins 8,500 years ago, and traced his nation’s territory and culture up to the present. He looked at Algonquin interactions with the Haudenosaunee and European settlers and their effects on his people. He highlighted settler attitudes towards indigenous people from Champlain to Pierre Trudeau. Councillor Sarazin identified the patterns of current interactions.
September 28, 2022
Inaugurating the Mural
at Chief Pinesi’s Portage

Algonquin Artists, Indigenous Elders, and Indigenous and settler leaders will gather with Kichi Sibi Trails to honour and celebrate the spectacular indigenous art that will be on new and permanent display in Rockcliffe and New Edinburgh!
The celebration will take place
at 1 PM on Wednesday September 28, 2022
at the New Edinburgh Fieldhouse
203 Stanley Avenue, Ottawa
We hope that you will join us!
- We will take part in Opening Prayers and hear from Indigenous Elders, and Indigenous and settler leaders.
- We will unveil the new mural.
- Algonquin artists, Doreen Stevens and Charlotte Aki Stevens, will interpret the mural they jointly created.
- Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon will present the archeological foundation of the Chief Pinesi Portage Trail.
- We will guide walking tours along the Rideau River, featuring indigenous tree species and ethnographic knowledge.
Inauguration Program

July 1, 2022
Chief Pinesi Day
Honouring Chief Pinesi and the inauguration of Chief Pinesi Portage, a Sacred Fire, the arrival of Chief Jocko and the Algonquin Anishinabe, greetings and ceremony, presentations, music, unveiling of the logos and mural banners, and walking tours of the trail!
We hope you will join us!

Post Event Media Coverage
Media Coverage of Chief Pinesi Day!

April 21 2022
CKCU 93.1FM – Friday Special Blend
Chat with Master Canoeist Max Finkelstein
Exploring the Kichi Sibi Trails Part 2
April 8 2022
CKCU 93.1FM – Friday Special Blend
Chat with Kichi Sibi Trails Peter Stockdale
Exploring The Kichi Sibi Trails Part 1
November 10, 2021
Historical Society of Ottawa
Presentation: Mapping the Ottawa Valley’s Ancient Indigenous Trails
Councillors Merv & Barb Sarazin of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, and Dr. Peter Stockdale
February 17, 2021
Recreation Association Canoe and Camping Club
Presentation: Indigenous Portage Trails Seminar