(Kichi Sibi Trails photo)
It’s a river journey steeped in Indigenous history and culture.
The Pinesi Paddle is set to get underway June 23 beginning on the Ottawa River (Kichi Sibi in Algonquin) in Deep River and winding up in Ottawa July 1.
The paddle celebrates the life of Algonquin Grand Chief Constant Pinesi by retracing his paddling route from his hunting grounds at Lamure Beach in Deep River through to the City of Ottawa. The paddling trip is organized by Kichi Sibi Trails, whose president former Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation Chief Wendy Jocko, is Pinesi’s great-granddaughter, six generations removed.
The event will kick off on June 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Lamure Beach, Deep River. All are welcome to participate. Descendants of the original Algonquin village are especially encouraged to join the events. We would love to share stories, take photos, and walk the area where the village once stood.
Algonquin Grand Chief Constant Pinesi, the reat-grandfather, six generations removed, of former Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation Chief Wendy Jocko, had his hunting grounds in the vicinity of Rideau Falls. Chief Pinesi and g his family would canoe and portage through Ottawa when it was still all forests and rivers.
A group of Chief Constant Pinesi’s descendants, local families, and history enthusiasts will honor his legacy by retracing his traditional paddling route from Lamure Beach in Deep River to Ottawa.
Organized by Kichi Sibi Trails and its president Wendy Jocko, the event highlights Chief Pinesi’s historical significance, including his role in the War of 1812 and advocacy for Algonquin land rights, while inviting participants to connect with Algonquin heritage through storytelling and shared experiences.
The inaugural paddle, from Oka, Que., to Ottawa, was held last year.
This year’s event includes a number of local activities, including: a send-off in Deep River at 9 a.m. June 24; and the following day, a 5 p.m. paddle with the mayor of Pembroke at Riverside Park, followed by a welcome event that includes speeches and a campfire.
Vern Barr and the Kitchisippi Indigenous Association will welcome the paddlers on Saturday, June 28 for a gathering and potluck dinner. The paddle will wrap up on July 1 at a Chief Pinesi Day event at New Edinburgh Park in Ottawa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that will include a sacred fire, drumming, dancing, singing, a land tour of Chief Pinesi’s portage trail and a chance to meet and hear from the paddlers.
The work of Kichi Sibi Trails has helped bring attention to this part of Algonquin history and to Chief Pinesi’s legacy by mapping his portage routes.
Wendy Jocko will participate in the paddle, and Chief Greg Sarazin of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation will participate in a number of events and ceremonies scheduled along the route.
For more information, visit the Kichi Sibi Trails website.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)