Days on the River
Spots each day
Hour west of Toronto
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2020 Trip Clips
TRED Talks:
Gaining Traction with Reconciliation
Registration is unnecessary
Due to CoVid19, we have chosen to paddle the Grand River in sections, on various days, in a small group, posting videos, pictures and teachings on YouTube and Facebook. We also plan to have Zoom meetings with our Paddle Family. Stay tuned and connected by means of our Facebook Group and YouTube Channel.
CoVid 19 and the Two Row on the Grand
We are still watching, waiting and discussing the situation. We have decided to paddle down the river in a small group, according to health unit protocols. Campgrounds will not be allowing group camping for some time to come. Many summer events, like the Powwow, have been canceled. Some fall events have already been canceled.
However, we are committed to paddling the wampum belts from Cambridge to Port Maitland this summer. Paddling and even portaging can be done in a physically distant way. We will do sections of the river on various days, starting June 21st, with everyone looking after their own meals, drop off and pick up arrangements. No charge.
As for the Two Row Reunion on the last Saturday in September, we are looking at expanding into a full weekend, if possible.
Your Paddle Family planners
Hi & She:kon!
Join us for the fifth annual “Two Row (Wampum) on the Grand (River)” and paddle down the Grand River with Haudenosaunee Nations! We’re following up the successful 2013 Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign on the Hudson River, the 2016 and the 2017 Two Row On The Grand . 2018 and 2019 saw more great experiences of paddling, sharing meals, campgrounds and teachings.
This coming summer’s event will be another symbolic enactment of our original Two Row treaty – put in place over 400 years ago. Help us bring the treaty to life paddling down the Grand River from Cambridge to Port Maitland.
We will paddle in Two Rows when possible – one Indigenous row, and one ally row – to demonstrate the simple concept of the Two Row Wampum Treaty. Our teachings say to paddle down the “river of life” on parallel paths, as friends close enough to help each other, but not so close as to disrupt each other’s path.
Together, we will share the river, campgrounds, meals, educational events, traditional teachings, interactive dancing, storytelling, and sharing circles.
Itinerary for 2019 Updated
Slideshows and videos
About Us
Our Vision
The Two Row on the Grand canoe paddle is a symbolic renewal of the Two Row Wampum – the original peace treaty between native and settler communities. We envision an annual canoe trip where participants, native and non-native, build mutual respect and understanding of individual values and culture through friendship and summer fun.
Ideally, this experience would result in long-lasting friendships, an increased understanding of each other and our cultures, and through friendship, peace. Participants will be able to partake in educational events given by knowledgeable persons each day: treaties, cultural teachings, dance/social demonstrations, storytelling, environmental concerns, and sharing circles.
We have approval from all municipalities along the Grand River to stop in each community and host cultural events open to local community members. Through this experience participants can build long-lasting friendships with those in surrounding communities. At the end of the canoe trip we will host a culminating event that will commemorate the polishing of the chain of friendship between Canadians and Six Nations community members.
Who We Are
We’re a grassroots group of local canoe enthusiasts who want to spread awareness of the Two Row Wampum in a positive way.
By carrying the idea of the Two Row Wampum down the Grand River we can re-polish the chain of friendship with our neighbours and each other while having summer fun. The group was created as a direct result of the success of the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign in 2013. Details of this successful initiative can be found at http://honorthetworow.org/epic-canoe-trip. Four Canadian and Haudenosaunee members of this journey agreed that a similar initiative would be of benefit to Haudenosaunee and non-native community members along the Grand River watershed. This experience was transformational for us and we wanted to create an opportunity for more of our neighbours to participate in this journey of healing. In sharing circles as the trip was coming to a close, we found that it had such an impact on people’s lives that we felt it important to offer the experience on an annual basis.
Two Row Wampum
Originally signed around 1613 by the Mohawks and the Dutch, the Two Row Wampum Treaty states that both nations will travel down the river of life in peace together— the Dutch in their ships and the Mohawks in their canoes. Further, each would have their own laws, values, and cultures, and would not try to ‘‘steer each other’s boat’’… tell each other how to live. The Two Row Wampum is the basis for all the treaties that followed.
The 2018 Two Row on the Grand canoe paddle is a nine day canoe trip down the Grand River from Cambridge to Lake Erie that will promote healthy relationships, friendships, and respect between cultures, allowing indigenous and non-indigenous both a chance to grow in understanding based on trust and respect.
Applying
By applying, all participants agree to the below guidelines and agree to follow them during our time together. Failure to comply will result in your leaving the paddle.
Be Respectful
Support Leadership
Be Safe
Clean up!
Be Reasonable
Follow Itinerary
Cooperate
No Drugs or Alcohol
Fees
The cost of participation is $65 per day per participant ($45 for children, $30 for volunteers) covering food, camping, and logistical support. However, nobody will be turned away due to lack of funds.
You may not use the public registration to register as a volunteer. You will need to contact us at tworowinfo@gmail.com for vetting and training before you will be given the link to our volunteer registration. Great opportunity for volunteer hours for high schoolers!
We also need support from all our paddlers on tasks like setting up for events, camping and meal sites, security, conducting outreach to local communities and much more. If you’d like to assist with those tasks, please let us know when you register!
Participant Application
Volunteer Application
Renting Your Craft
FAQ
I’m getting into shape, what pace and distance should I target?
Be able to leisurely paddle 5-6 hours at a time.
How far is a day's paddle?
We will paddle between 13-27 km (8-17 miles) each day; camping along the route.The itinerary is established and available above. Any changes will appear on our Facebook group page.
What is your Facebook group page?
Do we HAVE to paddle in a certain formation?
We’ll depart, pass bridges and arrive in two rows whenever possible. If the journey gets messy? That’s fine too. We’re supposed to be bonding after all!
Do I need to carry my camping gear in my canoe with me?
No, ground crew transports everyone’s gear. Bring only what is recommended on the water (a gear list will be sent to you upon your application’s approval) so we take up as little space as possible.
Should I bring refillable water bottles, plates, and cutlery and to reduce waste?
Absolutely! We will provide potable water for refilling your bottles and dish washing facilities for your plates and cutlery. If you don’t have mess kit or plates and cutlery you can bring with you, please let us know on the registration form.
What happens in the evenings?
Educational and traditional events, usually after paddling and before meals. The gatherings will feature traditional sharing and environmental talks by Haudenosaunee leaders and our allies. These events are listed on our Facebook Event Page as they are confirmed.
Will we be meeting the public when we stop?
Yes, sometimes.
May we invite people to come?
You may invite people to come to our events. However, we are limiting our meals and overnight campsites to paddlers and ground crew for logistic and safety measures.
What do we do if there is severe weather?
Most paddlers will be prepared to paddle even if the weather is unpleasant. It can be invigorating! We will evaluate each situation and if there is imminent danger we will lead you to shelter. Thunder is sufficient warning to leave the water.
Can I bring my dog?
No dogs.