Wikwemikong Tourism to co-host Two Nations Paddle
By Sam Laskaris
WIIKWEMKOONG UNCEDED TERRITORY – The two largest Indigenous community tourism operators in Ontario have joined forces for what could turn out to be a long relationship.
Wikwemikong Tourism and Six Nations Tourism will co-host the Two Nations Paddle on Thursday (Aug. 1).
The event at Point Grondine Park in Killarney, Ont., includes a canoe ride for event participants.
The Two Nations Paddle is being billed as a cultural exchange showcasing the history and cultures of both Wiikwemkoong and Six Nations.
Luke Wassegijig, the manager of Wikwemikong Tourism, said talks about co-hosting an event with Six Nations Tourism began this past May.
Reps from the two tourism offices began discussions at Rendez-vous Canada, a travel trade event that was held in Edmonton in the spring.
“We see a lot of each other,” Wassegijig said of Six Nations tourism officials. “We have common goals as community-owned industries. We very much paddle the same canoe.”
Wassegijig said numerous virtual meetings were held between Wiikwemkoong and Six Nations tourism officials after initial talks in Edmonton.
Those talks led to the creation of the Two Nations Paddle.
Thursday’s event will feature a pair of large canoes, which can each accommodate 10 paddlers.
One of the boats will primarily include Wiikwemkoong and Six Nations tourism officials, and the other boat will for the most part include guests who have paid to be part of the experience.
Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa Kwe Rachel Manitowabi will provide some comments during the opening ceremony of the Two Nations Paddle, prior to the official sendoff of the boats.
Paddlers will start at the Chikanishing River.
Guides will lead the three-hour paddle, providing information of various plants seen during the voyage as well as the histories of the two Nations, both during peaceful and war times. Wampum belt teachings will also be provided.
The event will also include a stop for lunch where both Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee foods will be provided.
The Two Nations Paddle will conclude at the Pictograph site located on Collins Inlet.
A similar paddle, again co-hosted by Six Nations Tourism and Wikwemikong Tourism, will be held later this month on August 17 along Six Nations’ Grand River.
Wassegijig believes the two First Nations could very well end up collaborating on various other future events as well in the coming years.
“I think this exchange could evolve into something else,” he said.
Officials from Six Nations Tourism will remain in Wiikwemkoong following Thursday’s event.
That’s because they have also been invited to a pair of other local happenings this week.
For starters, they’ll attend the Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival on Friday. This event will be held at Thunderbird Park in Wiikwemkoong. And then on Saturday, they’ll go to the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, which is one of Manitoulin Island’s premier events.
This three-day event, which will also be staged at Thunderbird Park, continues until Aug. 5.