Canoeists complete 10-day voyage to honour Indigenous people
Trigger warning: Readers may be triggered by the recount of Indian Residential Schools. To access a 24-hour National Crisis Line, call: 1-866-925-4419. Community Assistance Program (CAP) can be accessed for citizens of the Anishinabek Nation: 1-800-663-1142.
By Leslie Knibbs
SPANISH– In an effort to create awareness of issues facing Indigenous People, two canoeists travelled from Sault Ste. Marie to the former Spanish Indian Residential School site. The day after completing the journey, they shared their thoughts on the 10-day trip.
Paddlers Lue Mahaffey is a Community Support Worker and Paige Simon is a student at Algoma University studying social work. Having started on July 24, they left Shingwauk Indian Residential School site in Sault Ste. Marie beginning their trip from Bellvue Park and arrived in Spanish on August 2.
“Well, we aren’t done. While the paddling portion of our journey has finished, we still desire to share some things with those following along and who are open to listening. We learned a lot on our journey and we want to use this platform to share some of what we learned, while still seeking to reach the $75,000 mark,” says Mahaffey. “I kept thinking as I paddled, ‘Man, Indigenous people paddled these waters in Birchbark canoes and had way less clearance than we have.’ The canoeing along the water was a way to remember and raise awareness. We learned a great deal about the significance of the water for the First Peoples. I have so much more respect for it as a result; however, our desire is to continue to help Canadians learn about the history that is still significantly unknown for many. I don’t know what that fully looks like, but I know it isn’t over.”
The long journey created some challenges along the way; however, the paddlers persevered in spite of adversity.
“For me, it was just maintaining safety while pushing forward. We didn’t want to paddle if it was too dangerous, but, like on the first day, we didn’t want to not paddle because it would be uncomfortable – it rained on us all day,” says Mahaffey. “We pushed forward but there were two situations where safety was a question. Thankfully, it all worked out. I think also, just a lack of sleep from having thunderstorms and rain most nights. The most significant challenge I feel now is: how do we honour the stories we heard and the lives that we met going forward? That is a challenge that I feel blessed to be invited into.”
Throughout the trek to their final destination, the paddlers found time to stop and visit First Nations along the way.
“We met with the Belleau Family of Garden River First Nation. We had lunch at Thessalon First Nation and were welcomed by Chief and Council along with the kids of the community,” recalls Mahaffey. “We had some staff, a councillor and some Elders from Mississaugi greet us, feed us, and share with us at Boom Camp. Lastly, Serpent River First Nation, Chief Brent, councillor Steve, did so much for us; from sharing their stories, giving us a tour of the community, feeding us, and then saving us from a big black bear at our tent. They also sent us off in a good way with other community members and were waiting for us at Spanish.”
“We also had an incredible welcome from the Town of Thessalon where people from Thessalon First Nation and the town gathered and welcomed us there at Peace Park after a long hard paddle day,” continues Mahaffey. “Along the way, we also were blessed to stay with Springer and Doc at St. Joe’s. They took us in, gave us a warm place to sleep, a shower, food, and meaningful conversation. Not to mention they encouraged us deeply in this journey. And then in Thessalon, Donna and James Orlando made us Lasagna, helped us get our gear all situated, and we got to talk more with the beautiful paddlers who came to join us when we got into Thessalon (Ted, Jo, Stacey, Jamie Marie and my dog, Lola). We experienced such warm hospitality and encouragement, and truthfully, it kept us going.”
The monies raised throughout this journey will be going to one of the top charitable organizations in Canada addressing water challenges in Indigenous communities through education, training and meaningful collaboration – Water First Education & Training Inc.
“The funds … are being designated for the Indigenous Internship Program. We appreciate the approach of this work and the fact is it helps create sustainability for clean water and jobs for Indigenous people within their community,” notes Mahaffey.
Within Ontario, roughly 40% of Indigenous Communities are under boil water advisories. Across Canada, 13.5% of Indigenous communities do not have clean water. The paddlers said, “If you want to show you care, then help us get clean water.”
“Our goal is to raise $0.50 per child with an overall amount of $75,000,” explains Mahaffey. “We are partnering with WATER FIRST NGO and need your help to see this happen. We are a team, an Anishinaabekwe (Anishinaabe woman) and a zhaagnaashiikwe (Canadian woman). We will be paddling the nibi (water) shoreline of Lake Huron from the Shingwauk Residential School down to the Spanish Residential School. Our desire is to honour those who attended and have been impacted by these Residential Schools and the many others. We recognize the children of the past lived in horrific conditions within these schools. Many precious lives were lost. Our desire is to help Indigenous children today and those of future generations.”
Simon is an Indigenous woman who spent much of her life learning the history of Canada’s First People. As she grew older, she recognized a lack of education on Indigenous people and wants to share with others this history.
“It is with great passion that I carry the desire to raise awareness for the past and present struggles of the Indigenous population of Canada and do my part in helping those who are facing challenges far greater than my own.”
Mahaffey is a non-Indigenous woman who began to understand the untold history of the relationship between Canada and First Peoples about 14 years ago.
“The distrust, and lack of historical education, along with the present realities facing Canada and the First Peoples concerns me deeply. As a white Christian woman, I feel a sense of responsibility with the injustices many Indigenous people have faced through the Residential School System and overarching racist ideology. Upon hearing about the graves being discovered, my heart grew burdened for what was awakening within Canada. I began to see how in order for many Canadians to go deeper in understanding the atrocities that took place in this Nation, many Indigenous people have had to relive the heartaches and traumas experienced. I knew I wanted to do something more to raise awareness, and also provide a tangible action of standing in solidarity with the Indigenous people I love and care about.”
The paddlers were welcomed in Spanish on August 2 by supporters. After securing their watercraft, the paddlers made the short walk to the former Spanish Indian Residential School site for a small ceremony including prayer and a song from Serpent River First Nation members Steven Baranyai Amanda Medahbie, Cathy Commanda, Joyce Dillen, and Gail Jacobs.
Although the paddling part of the pair’s journey is over, there is still much work to complete including reaching their goal of raising the $75 thousand for Water First NGO and their Indigenous water technician training program. The paddlers have currently raised over $55,000. Fundraising efforts will remain in place until the end of August. To donate, please visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/canoe-for-every-child.