SMITHS FALLS, ONTARIO, January 17, 2009--On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Mrs. Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, today accepted an Algonquin birch bark canoe from Chief Kirby Whiteduck of Pikwàkanagàn.
Thousand of years before Europeans navigated the rivers and lakes that now form the Rideau Canal, Algonquins used the waterway for traveling and fishing. By sharing their vast knowledge of the land and water, Algonquins helped Europeans map routes for navigation. First Nations people have played an important role in the development of the region and in the construction of the Rideau Canal.
Parks Canada and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation have been working together to incorporate the rich culture of the Algonquins in interpretive programs along the Rideau Canal. Last summer, Mrs. Jacqueline Sarazin and her sons Greg and Tom demonstrated traditional methods of birch bark canoe building through hands-on activities at festivals and events, culminating in the crafting of a beautiful birch bark canoe.
"I would like to thank the Council of Pikwàkanagàn for giving Parks Canada this beautiful birch bark canoe," said Mrs. Gallant. "It will now be incorporated into a new aboriginal exhibit at the Rideau Canal Museum in Smiths Falls to offer all visitors a balanced perspective of Canadian and Aboriginal history".
The relationship between Parks Canada and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn will lead to increased integration of Aboriginal knowledge with resource management, visitor experience and education programming along the Rideau Canal.
"The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation is proud to be working in partnership with Parks Canada to bring the complete story of the Rideau Canal to all Canadians" stated Chief Whiteduck. " The Algonquins story and contribution is important and deserves to be known and we look forward to continuing this positive partnership with Parks Canada".
Visitors can view the new aboriginal exhibit featuring the birch bark canoe at the Rideau Canal Museum, in Smiths Falls, when it opens in mid-May for its summer season.
Information:
Marjolène Alie
Communications Officer
Eastern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 extension 272
Aimee Bailey
Executive Director
The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre
613-625-1958
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Algonquin Birch Bark Canoes
