PINESI PADDLE: DEEP RIVER TO OTTAWA

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Grand Chief Constant Pinesi June 23 - July 01

A contingent of Chief Pinesi descendants, Lamure family descendants, history buffs, and paddling enthusiasts will be celebrating 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.

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.

Chief Pinesi, the great-grandfather times six of former Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation Chief Wendy Jocko, and his family had their hunting grounds in the vicinity of Rideau Falls. Chief Pinesi and his family would canoe and portage through Ottawa when it was still all forests and rivers.

“Chief Pinesi is such an important figure in our history — and I’m not just saying that because he is my great-grandfather,” said former Chief Wendy Jocko. Chief Pinesi’s story includes battles alongside the British and their Indigenous allies in the War of 1812 and petitioning the colonial governments of the time for the return of unceded Algonquin lands to the Algonquin people.

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. Many of those joining the event will have the opportunity to walk in his footsteps and paddle in his wake.

Wendo Jocko, President of Kichi Sibi Trails, will participate in the paddle, and Chief Greg Sarazin of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation will participate in the events and ceremonies scheduled along the route. Algonquin history, tradition, and culture will be at the forefront, with the lighting of a sacred fire, prayers, drumming, dancing, and a presentation on the life of Chief Pinesi.

Residents of Deep River and the Ottawa Valley: we would love to see your support! Come out and join us for the events on June 23rd or help send off the canoes at 9 am on June 24th by kayak/ canoe/ motorboat/SUPs or simply cheering on the beach.

https://kichisibiancienttrails.ca