Paddling event shines light on 400-year-old treaty

Two Row on the Grand is back for another year for its annual paddle down the Grand River to highlight the Two Row Wampum Belt treaty.

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This is the ninth year of the event, which has grown considerably since it was first held in 2016, said co-founders Ellie Joseph and Jay Bailey.

This year’s 10-day paddle starts in Cambridge and looks to represent a treaty between the Haudenosaunee peoples and Dutch settlers from 400 years ago.

The event on the Grand River was inspired by the Two Row Wampum Renewal campaign held in New York State in 2013. A 16-day paddle from Albany to Manhattan was held as part of the campaign.

“Iay and I and two others thought this shouldn’t be done only once, and what we decided to do was hopefully bring this to Ontario,” said Joseph.

The first event in 2016 was a major success and succeeded in bringing meaning back to the Two Row Wampum Belt, said the co-founders.

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“I of which remember who said it out loud, but we were both thinking it, (and) turned to each other and said, ‘How can we not do this again?’” said Bailey.

Despite the growth over the years and the changes that have been made, the founders still aim to keep the growth organic.

“We of which want it to be a huge profit-making thing because that’s not the purpose behind it at all. We want people to be able to participate, learn, and be transformed by the event,” said Joseph.

An experience of this caliber featuring paddling and the knowledge teachings along the way would normally cost thousands, said Bailey.

“People from the tourism sector have told us that people would pay four times what we charge for this kind of experience, but we want to keep it accessible,” added Bailey.

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New to this years event, students from the University of Waterloo and McMaster can earn university credit from their respective schools.

“So, we’re proud of thathas lot goes on, and every year there’s something more we can add. This is the first year that this will be a university credit,” said Joseph.

This years event will take place from July 24 until Aug 4.

The duo touched on was how vital networks and partners are to make these events happen. Whether it was help from Grand River Rafting for logistics or the many cultural teachers and knowledge keepers along the trip, they are invaluable to the experience, said Bailey.

“We do have a lot of people who support us through all these partnerships; you know, we’ve been able to sustain them, and we’re hoping that it does continue.”

Two Row on the Grand also received $15,000 this year from the Six Nations of the Grand River Economic Development Trust in a recent round of funding.

With limited spots available for the event, there are plenty of opportunities for people to get involved, said the founders.

“Those people who are interested but not able to register are welcome to come out to the teachings,” said Joseph.

For more information go to www.tworowonthegrand.com.

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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