KSAT blog

The experience was an adventure. The adventure was more than just paddling – it was a powerful act of reconnection and a way to honour the routes my ancestors travelled for generations.

It really helped me to reflect on my identity and belonging in a way that I have never experienced plus to be able to share that with my family will be a memory I will carry with me for a lifetime.

The leadership from everyone at Kichi Sibi Trails made each day successful with their organized (and some unorganized) teachings (from Wendy Jocko to Noel to Connie to Max to Laura and more) and to appreciate their respect for the river and the land.

The many stops along the way with volunteers helping make the paddle commitment physically bearable was a treat. Paddling with a group of people committed to learning, sharing, and supporting one another created a sense of community that impacted not only me but my daughter as well.

Words from my daughter, Sydney: It was nice to be able to see and experience more of the Ottawa river than I’m familiar with. The paddle was also a great learning experience for me, I learned how to canoe, navigate with a map, I learned about fish that are in the Ottawa River, and saw some cool birds.

There were moments on the water when I felt a deep connection to my ancestors—particularly on Aylmer Island. Listening to Doreen and Jessica and staring back at our journey up the river, knowing how sacred the grounds we were on brought me to tears. It was emotional, challenging, and empowering all at once.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Ottawa River in a deeper, more meaningful way, I can’t recommend this paddle enough. I recommend the Pinesi Paddle to anyone who wants to understand this land and water in a deeper way, reconnect with culture, and be part of something bigger. This trip will change you in the best way

Canadian Armed Forces Post Regarding the apology: CAF Apologizes

 CBC article and video of  Gen. Jennie Carignan delivering the Apology: CBC Article including video

Text of Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment by the Chief of the Defence Staff: Chief of Defence Speech

Text of Wendy Jocko’s speech from the Ceremony:

Mino Kijigad (it is a good day)
Dear Veterans, Elder Dumont, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Her Excellency, The Right Honorable Mary Simon, Chief of Defence Staff General Carignan, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer McCann, RAdm Olivier, distinguished members of the Canadian Armed Forces, honored guests, and fellow Canadians: It is with profound respect and deep humility that I join you for this historic and solemn occasion taking place here in unceded Algonquin Territory.

Today, we gather not only as members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, but as human beings committed to acknowledging past wrongs and charting a path toward healing. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, the CAF Chief Warrant Officer, and the Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture for their leadership in bringing us to this moment.

Your presence demonstrates the commitment of the highest levels of our military to confront difficult truths and work toward meaningful change.

To all who have traveled from near and far to bear witness to this apology, particularly the veterans and serving members from Indigenous, Black, Asian, and broader Canadian Communities whose experiences we honor today, thank you for your courage in being here.

Some of you carry deep wounds from your service—not just from the expected hardships of military life, but from the added burden of systemic racism within an institution you chose to serve with honor.

This gathering represents a pivotal moment in our collective journey—one that acknowledges pain while also embracing possibility.

As we move through today’s ceremony, I ask that we all listen with open hearts, reflect with honest minds, and commit to the ongoing work of reconciliation that will continue long after we leave this space.

I stand before you as many things: I am the daughter of parents who both served in World War II with distinction, the granddaughter of those who fought in World War I, and the great-granddaughter of Algonquin Grand Chief Constant Pinesi who fought alongside the British in the War of 1812. And mother of a son who served our country with the First Royal Canadian Regiment who was sadly laid to rest on 8 November 2023.

This legacy of service runs deep in my blood and connects me to generations of Indigenous peoples who have stood in defense of these lands long before they were called Canada.

I am a veteran who wore the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces with pride for 23 years, a former Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, a daughter of this land, and a witness to both its painful history and its potential for healing. Today is not the day to detail my own experiences with racism and discrimination within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Those are stories for another time and place. Somehow, through personal resilience and the strength of my ancestors, I have found ways to cope with life’s challenges, including those faced during my 23 years of service.

Today is not about my individual journey, but about our collective responsibility to acknowledge systemic issues and commit to meaningful change.

What I can say is that during my NATO peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Croatia, I witnessed the devastating consequences when hatred and division are allowed to fester unchecked.

I saw communities torn apart by ethnic tensions, and I worked alongside vulnerable civilians who paid the ultimate price for institutional failures to address discrimination. What struck me then, and what strikes me now, is how silence becomes complicity.

When we fail to acknowledge racism, when we minimize its impact, when we refuse to make structural changes – we become participants in its perpetuation.

Every time a racialized CAF member has been told to “toughen up” or that they’re “being too sensitive,” we have failed them.

Every time someone has had to work twice as hard to receive half the recognition, we have failed them.

Every time someone has felt unsafe to report discrimination for fear of retaliation, we have failed them.

Today marks a solemn yet necessary moment in our shared journey.

An apology is not merely words—it is an acknowledgment of truth.

For generations, Indigenous peoples who stepped forward to serve Canada faced not only the dangers of military service but also the wounds inflicted by systemic racism within the very institution they served.

Some wore uniforms while being denied the right to vote in the country they defended.

Others returned from overseas conflicts to find their children taken to residential schools. Many endured daily indignities—slurs whispered in mess halls, promotions denied, cultural practices forbidden, and identities erased.

For Indigenous women who served, the burden was often doubled—facing discrimination based on both gender and heritage.

For Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous members, it was tripled.

These intersecting identities created unique experiences of marginalization that must be specifically acknowledged and addressed.

Each story carries the weight of generations—of grandparents who were forbidden their language, of parents who hid their culture, of children who sought belonging in an institution that often failed to recognize their full humanity.

An apology, while necessary, is only the beginning. Today, we do not seek empty promises or hollow gestures.

We seek transformation—deep, lasting, and meaningful change that addresses the systems that have perpetuated harm. True reconciliation requires more than acknowledgment of past wrongs.

It demands concrete action: representation at all levels of leadership, cultural safety within military spaces, policies that respect Indigenous knowledge and traditions, and accountability mechanisms that ensure these changes endure.

Despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples have served with distinction and honor.

From the World Wars to Korea, from peacekeeping missions to modern conflicts, our warriors carried forward ancient traditions of courage, sacrifice, and protection.

We honor those who walked before us—those who served while carrying the additional burden of racism.

Their resilience opened doors that were once firmly closed.

Their sacrifice demands that those doors never close again.

The path ahead must be walked together—with humility, with courage, and with unwavering commitment to justice.

It requires not only the leadership of those in command but the daily actions of every person who wears the uniform.

True healing cannot be achieved through a single ceremony or proclamation.

It is built through sustained effort, through challenging conversations, through policies that reflect the diversity of this land, and through a military culture that embraces the strength that comes from difference.

I speak today for those who cannot be here—for the Elders who served but did not live to see this day, for those whose spirits were broken by the dual weight of service and discrimination, and for the future generations who deserve to serve a military that honors all parts of their identity.

Systemic racism is not about individual intent – it’s about collective impact.

It’s embedded in policies, procedures, and cultural norms that appear neutral but produce discriminatory outcomes.

To address it requires more than goodwill; it requires concrete action.

As the descendant of an Algonquin warrior who fought for the Crown in the War of 1812, and with family members who served in both World Wars and the modern CAF, I understand deeply the complexity of serving a nation that has not always recognized your humanity.

The Indigenous experience in the Canadian military mirrors that of many racialized groups – one of service despite marginalization, of loyalty despite exclusion.

This apology must mark the beginning of transformative change.

The CAF must move beyond diversity targets to create environments where equity and inclusion can truly flourish.

This means examining recruitment practices, promotion criteria, leadership development, and accountability mechanisms through an anti-racist lens.

Trust, once broken, is not easily restored. It requires not just words of contrition but sustained action and transparency.

The journey toward an anti-racist CAF must include:
 Regular, independent assessments of progress toward eliminating systemic barriers.
 Meaningful consequences for racist behavior at all levels of the organization
 Genuine opportunities for advancement for racialized members
 Trauma-informed support systems that acknowledge the unique harm caused by racial discrimination.
 Education that goes beyond superficial cultural awareness to address power, privilege, and systemic change

Most importantly, it requires listening – truly listening – to those who have experienced racism within the ranks.

Their voices must guide this transformation.

In my role as Chief of Pikwakanagan, I worked to build bridges between Indigenous communities and the Armed Forces.

I’ve seen what is possible when institutions genuinely commit to reconciliation and anti-racism.

I’ve witnessed the strength that comes from embracing diversity not as a box to check, but as a strategic advantage.

Today’s apology acknowledges a painful past and present, but it must also herald a different future – one where the CAF stands as a model of inclusion and equity for all Canadians.

One where no member must choose between their cultural identity and their military career.

One where the values we claim to defend abroad are fully realized within our own ranks.

The path forward requires courage – the courage to acknowledge ncomfortable truths, to challenge long-standing norms, to hold ourselves and each other accountable. It requires the same valor we expect on the battlefield, now directed toward the equally important fight for justice and dignity within our own institution.

As we reflect on this apology, let us remember that its value lies not in the words spoken today, but in the actions that follow. Let us commit to creating a Canadian Armed Forces where every member can serve with dignity, where diversity is recognized as a source of strength, and where racism in all its forms is confronted with the same resolve with which we face any other threat to our national security and values.

The CAF’s commitment to move forward in an anti-racist way is not separate from its military mission – it is essential to it. A force that upholds justice and equality within its ranks will be stronger in defending those values around the world. To current and former CAF members who have experienced racism: your service mattered, your pain is acknowledged, and your courage in speaking truth to power has made this moment of reckoning possible.

This apology belongs to you.

May this apology mark not an end but a beginning—a commitment to create a Canadian Armed Forces where Indigenous members serve with both the pride of their nations and the full respect of the institution they have chosen to serve. As we conclude today’s ceremony, let us carry forward the spirit of truth and reconciliation that has brought us together.

In the Anishinaabe tradition, we understand that healing comes not from a single moment but through an ongoing journey of acknowledgment, understanding, and renewal.

Let us leave this place carrying both the weight of truth and the lightness of possibility.

May we honor the courage of those who have shared their stories by ensuring their experiences lead to lasting change. May we recognize that the medicine wheel teaches us balance—that acknowledging pain is necessary before we can
move toward healing.

Remember that we are all connected—like strands in a sweetgrass braid, gaining strength from being woven together. The path forward must be walked together, with each step guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.

I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all who have participated in this sacred work today.

May the Creator guide us as we continue this journey together. May the spirits of our ancestors who served be honored by our commitment to create a military where all can serve with dignity and respect.

To all my relations.

I’iw nama’a wi nan, maaba nesemaa, minwaa n’ode’winaanin gda-bugidinimaagom. (We offer our prayers, tobacco, and our hearts.)
Daga bih-wiidokawishnaang wii mino pimaadizeyaang. (Please help us to live a good life.)
Ajuinata (Never Give up). Miigwetch

Thursday 30 October 2025 at 10a.m-3:30 p.m. 111 Sussex Drive

Kwe, hello, bonjour, dear friends, Veterans, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Chief and council, special guests and community members,

As we gather here today to celebrate Chief Pinesi Day, I want to share with you the heart of our Kichi Sibi Trails Mission, Pinesi Paddle embodies our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of our waterways.

The Kichi Sibi, our great river, has been the lifeblood of Indigenous communities for countless generations.

At the heart of our Kichi Sibi Trails initiative stands a remarkable group of individuals whose diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives form the backbone of our work.

Our board members and volunteers represent a rich tapestry of experiences – from Indigenous knowledge keepers to environmental scientists, from experienced river guides to community advocates.

Each member brings unique strengths to our collective table.

Our Indigenous board members and representatives provide vital cultural guidance and traditional knowledge that ensures our activities remain respectful and authentic.

Our environmental experts help us understand and protect the delicate ecosystems of the Kichi Sibi.

Our experienced paddlers ensure safety and proper technique on our journeys, while our community organizers help bridge relationships between diverse groups.

This diversity is our greatest strength. When we gather to make decisions, plan journeys, or develop educational materials, the interplay of different perspectives leads to more thoughtful, inclusive, and effective outcomes.

We learn from each other daily, growing not just as an organization but as individuals committed to cultural understanding and environmental stewardship.

While our work has garnered unexpected levels of support and enthusiasm from many quarters, we have also faced challenges from those who question the value or direction of our efforts.

Some have attempted to discourage our activities, suggesting that reconnecting with traditional waterways and trails is unnecessary in modern times or that our approach to cultural education is too ambitious.

Some say that Algonquin led is not good enough, that it should be all Indigenous.

Chief Pinesi Day itself has always been an Indigenous affair.

We’re getting more Anishinabe Algonquin and other Indigenous nations with the passing years, tripling active board representation in the past year.

Moreover, our success has proved that building an Indigenous trails organization across this territory by building with settler buy-in and participation works well.

Yet, we remain steadfast in our mission. We understand that meaningful work often faces resistance, particularly when it challenges established narratives or seeks to reclaim spaces and practices that have been marginalized.

Rather than being deterred, we have chosen to lead on – guided by our shared values, strengthened by our diversity, and committed to creating positive change.

As we move forward, we continue to welcome new voices and perspectives to our circle.

We believe that the waterways and trails we travel connect not just physical locations but people and ideas.

Just as the Kichi Sibi has flowed for countless generations, carrying the hopes and dreams of those who traveled upon it, our work continues to flow forward, carrying the collective wisdom and determination of our diverse board and volunteers toward a future where cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and community connection thrive together.

Through our initiatives, we seek to reconnect people with these historic waterways, following the paths our ancestors once traveled, and sharing the stories that these waters hold.

Our mission is threefold: to preserve the traditional knowledge of these waterways, to educate future generations about their significance, and to foster a deeper understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through shared experiences on the water.

The recent journey we completed, paddling from Deep River to Ottawa, exemplifies this mission.

Each stroke of our paddles connected us to the spirit of Chief Pinesi and all those who traveled these waters before us.

Every ripple, every bend in the river, carried whispers of our history and reminded us of our responsibility to protect and honor these sacred pathways.

So welcome to this extraordinary celebration of Chief Pinesi Day here at the New Edinburgh Field House.

Today, we gather on these sacred lands to honor the remarkable legacy of Chief Pinesi, whose influence and wisdom continue to shape our community.

Chief Pinesi was not just a leader – he was a visionary who understood the profound connection between these lands and our people.

These waters, these shores, these forests – they all carry the echoes of his footsteps and the wisdom of his leadership.

His hunting grounds, which extended through what is now New Edinburgh and Rockcliffe Park, were not just territories; they were the foundation of a community that continues to thrive today.

This year, we’ve had the incredible privilege of retracing some of Chief Pinesi’s ancient pathways through our ceremonial paddle journey.

From June 23rd to July 1st, we journeyed from Deep River to Ottawa, following the mighty Kichi Sibi – the great river that has been the lifeblood of our people for countless generations.

Each stroke of our paddles connected us to our ancestors, each ripple in the water a reminder of our enduring presence on these lands.

This journey would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of many dedicated individuals.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to our exceptional coordination team: Carl Griffith and Peter Stockdale, whose organizational skills and dedication were invaluable.

To our skilled Paddle Captains – Max Finkelstein, Jim Stone, Eva Moons, and Jay Bailey – your expertise and leadership on the water ensured our safe passage and enriched our journey with your knowledge.

A special thank you to Derek Cushing, Zhuoyu Wang and Yi Cui, whose unique perspectives and contributions added new dimensions to our journey.

And we cannot forget Angie and Sandy Chartrand Band Members of Pikwakanagan and descendants of Chief Pinesi, whose nurturing spirit and delicious meals kept us strong and well-fed throughout our adventure – chi-miigwech for taking such good care of us all.

To all the paddlers who joined us on this remarkable journey – your spirit, determination, and respect for our traditions have made this celebration truly meaningful.

You have helped keep our cultural practices alive and vibrant.

I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Chief and Council and the New Edinburgh Community Alliance, particularly Cindy Parkanyi for their unwavering support and guidance.

Many thanks to our organizational sponsors

Our River Guardian: The City of Ottawa

Canoe Partners: Canadian Voyageur Brigade Society, NECA (New Edinburgh Community Alliance), Blaney McMurtry LLP, Innovation Seven, Tamarack Homes, Trycycle & AECOM

Community Supporters: Bytown Museum & HT Realty

Honorable Mention: McCarthy Fuels-Killaloe Branch

Your partnership demonstrates the power of community collaboration and mutual respect.

As we stand here today at the New Edinburgh Field House, we are not just celebrating history – we are living it, creating it, and passing it on to future generations.

Chief Pinesi’s legacy reminds us that leadership means protecting our lands, preserving our culture, and building bridges between communities.

Let us carry forward Chief Pinesi’s spirit of wisdom, leadership, and connection to these lands.

May his legacy continue to inspire us as we work together to build a future that honors our past while embracing new possibilities.

Miigwetch, thank you all for being part of this special celebration.

Town to welcome heritage paddlers

See more

As the winter snow blankets Kichi Sibi Trails and the year draws to a close, we reach out to you with warmth and understanding. This past year has brought its share of challenges, and we know that many in our community have faced difficult times – whether through health struggles, financial hardships, or the profound loss of loved ones. To those who have experienced such difficulties, we extend our deepest empathy and support.

Yet even in challenging times, our trails continue to offer solace and connection. They remind us that like the mighty Kichi Sibi (Ottawa River) that flows through our lands, life continues to move forward, bringing new possibilities with each passing day.

We are particularly excited to share our vision for 2025, especially the upcoming Pinesi Paddle from Deep River to Ottawa. This journey represents more than just a paddle down our historic river – it symbolizes our community’s resilience, our connection to the land, and our ability to move forward together, no matter what challenges we face.  Follow this link for further information and to potentially participate https://forms.gle/9t4JxL8HSFvHJSxw6.

For those feeling lonely during this season, remember that our community’s heart beats strongest when we reach out to one another. Whether you’re a regular on our trails or someone who’s yet to join us, know that you have a place here among friends.

As we gather with loved ones or find peaceful moments of solitude during this holiday season, let’s carry with us the spirit of hope and community that makes Kichi Sibi Trails so special. May the natural beauty that surrounds us bring comfort to those who are hurting and joy to those who seek it.

Looking ahead to 2025, we see not just a new year, but new opportunities to strengthen our bonds, support one another, and create lasting memories on our trails and waters.

Wishing you peace, health, and moments of joy this holiday season,

With deep gratitude and hope,

Members of Kichi Sibi Trails

Join up to 32 paddlers and take the paddle of a lifetime from Deep River to Ottawa between 23 June to 1 July! We hope to recruit even more Algonquin people and descendants of Chief Constant Pinesi in 2025, as well as other indigenous people, and settlers. The total cost will likely be about $500 per person. The Pinesi Paddle 2024 was a tremendous success! (Watch the documentary trailer to learn more:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEI9MC4bRYE)

As we begin planning for Pinesi Paddle 2025, we invite you to express your interest in participating as a paddler or volunteer.

We will leave Grand Chief Pinesi’s later hunting grounds west starting at Deep River and end at the hunting grounds he had in Ottawa before settlement forced him to move north. Among many other stops, paddlers will view the majestic and sacred Oiseau Rock and see its pictographs. Some may wish to start the next evening at Pembroke the next evening on the 24th but miss seeing the Rock. The Pinesi Paddle will end near his vital portage route to the Rideau River in New Edinburgh/Rockcliffe. The Pinesi Paddle 2025 will span approximately 220 km. 

If you would like to join us as a paddler or support the event as a volunteer, please complete this form:

Please note that formal registration has not yet begun. The purpose of this form is to gather expressions of interest from potential paddlers and volunteers. Those who submit this form will receive updates and registration details via email later.

For questions or more information, contact the registrar at (873) 376-6688 or pinesipaddle@gmail.com.

Kichi Sibi Trails

More on Pinesi Paddle 2025

The brigade admiral is the renowned canoeist, Max Finkelstein. Organizing the event is Kichi Sibi Trails. Wendy Jocko is its president. She is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation (AOPFN), and Pinesi is her great grandfather times six.

Besides paddling and campfires, the daily practice of the journey will include efforts towards reconciliation in meetings between the paddlers, and settlers and Algonquins now living along the Ottawa River. 

Click here to see the Documentary Trailer of the 2024 Pinesi Paddle. For interest or questions regarding 2025 Pinesi Paddle email: PinesiPaddle@gmail.com

President Wendy Jocko:

Respected board members, honored guests, and dedicated
supporters of Kichi Sibi Trails,
Welcome to our first Annual General Meeting. As we gather
here today, we stand at the confluence of ancient wisdom and
modern purpose, much like the rivers that have shaped our lands
and our stories for millennia.
This past June, we embarked on an epic journey that was more
than just a canoe trip from Oka to Ottawa. It was a pilgrimage
along the veins of our ancestors, a reconnection with the
waterways that have sustained Indigenous peoples since time
immemorial.
As we paddled, each stroke brought us closer to our mission of
revitalizing the Ancient Indigenous Trails that crisscross Ontario
and Western Quebec.
The warm welcomes we received from local officials and
communities along our route were not just gestures of
hospitality; they were affirmations of the shared vision we all
hold for these lands.
Every greeting, every shared meal, every story exchanged was a
testament to the enduring spirit of community that these trails
have always fostered.
As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded that our work is
not just about preserving paths through the wilderness.

2

Kitchi Sibi Trails-AGM Thursday 14 November 2024 at 8 p.m.
It’s about rekindling the connections between communities,
between generations, and between humans and the natural
world.
The trails we seek to revitalize are more than routes of travel;
they are lifelines of culture, conduits of trade, and bridges
between nations.
Today, as we convene our first AGM, we carry with us the
momentum of that journey, the blessings of the communities we
encountered, and the responsibility entrusted to us by our
ancestors.
We are not just trailblazers; we are trail-revivers, breathing new
life into ancient ways.
To our board members, your guidance and dedication have been
instrumental in bringing us to this milestone.
To our guests, your presence here is a recognition of the
importance of this work.
Together, we embark on a new phase of our journey – one that
will see these ancient trails not as relics of the past, but as vital
arteries for the future of our communities.
As we proceed with our meeting, let us keep in our hearts the
rhythmic splash of paddles, the whisper of wind through the
trees, and the timeless call of the rivers.
For in those sounds, we hear the voices of our ancestors, urging
us forward on this noble path.
Miigwech. Thank you all for being here. Let us begin.