New Edinburgh Fieldhouse
Dear Friends, relatives, veterans, knowledge keepers, elders, drummers, Chief Sarazin, MP Fortier, MPP Collard, Councillor King, honored guests.
Pijashig, kakina tanizeyegnongom, Welcome, Bienvenu, to everyone here today.
Anishinaabe Aking Ate Awso Kikina-wadji-chigun!
(This Land we are upon is the Traditional Territory of the Algonquin People)
It is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you to Algonquin Territory which has been blessed by the Creator with many gifts.
Today, we stand here together, having completed a journey that is more than just a physical voyage.
Our six-day paddle from Oka to Ottawa on the Kichi Sibi has been a journey through time, through history, through the lives of our ancestors.
Grand Chief Pinesi’s paddling journey is more than a commemorative event; it is a profound act of resurgence and reconnection for the Algonquin people.
As we paddled the same waters that our ancestors once navigated, we not only retraced the path of our forebears, but also rekindled the spiritual, cultural, and communal ties that bind us.
Utilizing our own ancient technology, the canoe, we are reclaiming our ancestral knowledge and practices.
Each stroke of the paddle in unison is a testament to our collective strength and unity, knitting us together as we move forward in harmony with the rhythm of the river.
This journey is also an opportunity for healing, for as we navigate the waters of Kichi Sibi, we are also navigating our shared history, acknowledging our past, celebrating our resilience, and looking forward to our future.
It is a journey of self-discovery and collective empowerment, fostering pride, respect, and unity among the Algonquin people.
In the act of paddling together, we are not only honoring the legacy of Grand Chief Pinesi, but also building a stronger, more connected Algonquin community.
We are reclaiming our place in history, reasserting our identity, and reestablishing our connection with the land, the waters, and each other.
In essence, we are paddling towards a more unified, resilient, and vibrant future for the Algonquin people.
As a descendant of Grand Chief Pinesi, I feel a profound connection to this land and these waters.
With each stroke of our paddles, we have retraced the routes that my ancestor once navigated, deeply intertwining our lives with the rich tapestry of our shared history.
This journey has not only been about reaching our destination, but about understanding and honouring the past.
As we have moved through these waters, we have felt the spirit of Grand Chief Pinesi and the Algonquin people with us.
Their resilience, courage, and wisdom have guided us, reminding us of the strength and dignity inherent in our heritage.
Today, as we disembark on the shores of the Kichi Sibi here at New Edinburgh Fieldhouse, which, thanks to the initiative of Cindy Parkanyi of the New Edinburgh Community Alliance, should soon become Chief Pinesi Fieldhouse in Chief Pinesi Park, we carry with us not just the memories of this journey, but a renewed sense of connection to our past.
We have been privileged to paddle in these waters, breathe in this air, and feel the spirit of the Algonquin people surround us.
To my fellow Indigenous peoples, let this journey remind us of the legacy we carry within us.
The spirit of our ancestors is alive in each of us, guiding us and giving us strength.
To the settlers who joined us on this journey, thank you for showing respect and solidarity.
By acknowledging and learning from our history, you are helping to foster a future of mutual respect and understanding.
As we stand here together today, let us remember that this is not the end of our journey, but rather a milestone.
We have much more to learn, many more stories to tell, and many more journeys to embark upon.
So let us celebrate not just our arrival, but the journey that brought us here.
Let us honor Grand Chief Pinesi and the Algonquin people, not just in our words, but in our actions, as we continue to uphold their legacy of resilience and wisdom.
I stand before you today, deeply moved and inspired by the incredible journey we have completed together.
Our paddling journey from Oka to Ottawa, in honour of Grand Chief Pinesi and the Algonquin People, was indeed a remarkable experience that will resonate in our hearts and minds for years to come.
I would like to extend my profound gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization and realization of this extraordinary journey.
Your tireless efforts have brought us all together in a shared appreciation of the rich history and enduring spirit of the Algonquin people.
This would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the organizers from Kichi Zibi Trails, Max Finkelstein, Jim Stone and Dr. Peter Stockdale and the support of The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
Unfortunately, we did not get any grant support from any level to make this dream a reality, but it was the support of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan that kept this paddle dream afloat.
The Cities of Oka, St. Andre, Montebello and Orignal helped in different ways from plaques to reduced camping fees.
Bishop Poisson provided a plaque and landscaping at Oka, and his priests.
Notably, New Edinburgh sponsored, the drumming, and dancing, Pikwakanagan paid for their paddlers, and Innovation Seven, ADGA, Trycycle and Blaney McMurtry funded the paddle.
Chris Straka of Crichton Community Council made sure this happened in their Fieldhouse.
Your planning, your dedication, and your commitment to honoring the legacy of Algonquin Grand Chief Pierre Louis Constant Pinesi have made this epic journey possible.
To the organizers, whose vision and dedication transformed this idea into an unforgettable journey of discovery and connection, I thank you.
Your meticulous planning and unwavering commitment ensured our journey was both meaningful and safe.
To our guides and instructors, who shared their expertise and knowledge about the historic canoe routes, the Algonquin culture, and the life of Grand Chief Pinesi, thank you.
Your wisdom and guidance have enriched our understanding and deepened our respect for the Algonquin people.
To our supporters and sponsors, your generous contributions enabled this journey.
Your belief in the value of this endeavor helped bring our shared vision to life. We are sincerely grateful for your support.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the documentary photographers and videographers Mychael Kostiuk and Yi Cui, who have been following Chief Pinesi’s journey.
Your work is invaluable in helping us preserve and share this important part of our heritage. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.
And to every participant, who took part in this paddling journey, thank you.
Your enthusiasm, determination, and spirit of camaraderie have been inspirational.
The Pinesi Paddle was also about connecting with the communities that live along the river and learning their own colonial stories as partners with Indigenous people, as colonizers, and as the colonized.
We were warmly welcomed by the different mayors and citizens more than we expected, and have built a strong basis for further paddles, and Kichi Sibi Trails.
A special shoutout to Chief Greg Sarazin for joining us today, and thanks to the MP Mona Fortier, MPP Lucille Collard and Councillor Rawlson King, Crichton Community Council, Chris Straka, Merv Sarazin, Elders Jane Anne Chartrand and Doug Comegan. We appreciate your support.
We already have a good idea for what we want to do for the next 5 years.
In conclusion, this journey was not solely about retracing the ancient canoe routes.
It was a journey of connecting to our past, understanding our shared history, and honoring the indomitable spirit of the Algonquin people.
Thank you all for being a part of this remarkable journey.
It is my hope that the memories we have created and the lessons we have learned will continue to inspire and guide us in our future endeavors.
Thank you, and let us continue to paddle together, in the spirit of unity and respect.
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.)
Sending you our love and good wishes from Algonquin Territory. Miigwetch, thank you, merci.
Ajuinata (Never Give up) Miigwetch, thank you, merci beaucoup.
