Lake Simcoe feels the love with Georgina Island First Nation paddling event

Shining Water Paddle hopes to 'honour the spirits, remember the ancestors' and protect the purity of Lake Simcoe

Yorkregion.com
May 30, 2023
Kim Zarzour

If you’re out on the water or the shoreline of Lake Simcoe this coming week, you may see an intriguing sight.

A convoy of canoes will be taken to the waterway, part of an Indigenous tradition working to protect the lake, the environment, and all humanity.

Shining Water Paddle, an initiative by members of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, is holding its third annual ceremonial journey beginning June 5.

The public is invited to observe, partake and support.

Vicky Wolske, continuing the First Nations tradition of women as Water Keepers, organized this humble and hopeful expedition.

“The Chippewas will paddle for life around Lake Simcoe to heal the water and the water in our own bodies ... healing for all humans -- not just the Anishinaabe people or the community of Georgina Island.

"We all have an important obligation to protect the water animals, the water beings, rocks and plants, including the surrounding shorelines and waterways. We need to protect those gifts Nibi has provided us for many generations.”

Nibi is the Anishinaabemowin word for water and Azhoonyang or Shining Waters is the name for Lake Simcoe.

Throughout the week, paddlers travel in a traditional circle starting in a westward direction from Georgina’s Virginia Beach Marina, First Nations land on Black River Road.

Weather willing, they will paddle southwest toward the Holland River.

On day two, the Chippewas plan to take off from the base of the lake and travel downriver or continue up the west side of the lake. They may then travel into Kempenfelt Bay or Lake Couchiching, Wolske says.

As they paddle, they will pray, give thanks, sing, drum and offer gifts to the water, including traditional medicines like juniper berries, wild rice and healing stone. There may be sunrise or pipe ceremonies along the way. If the team raises enough funds, they will stay overnight near Orillia and meet with a Knowledge Keeper, where they can share their experiences, she says.

Shining Water Paddle will provide updates and information about launch locations on their Facebook page.

“Anyone that wants to join us, by all means they’re welcome,” Wolske says.

Lake Simcoe is facing pressure these days from many sides -- development, proposed highways and sewage demands -- and the health of the lake is everyone’s concern, not just First Nations, she adds.

“Our bodies are made up of 80 per cent water. ... It’s a life force.

“As a grandmother, I want to do what I can to make sure there’s going to be some purity left to live for these little ones.”