Wikwemikong and Six Nations Tourism come together for Two Nations Paddle

Wikwemikong and Six Nations tourism will reunite for the two nations cultural experience on Manitoulin Island starting Thursday.

Organizers said the event is meant to rekindle friendships, empower nations and educate visitors through song, dance and food.

“It’s about reclaiming culture, it’s about reclaiming stories,” said Luke Wassegijig, senior manager of tourism and community development with Wikwemikong Tourism.

“It’s about getting the community involved. And that’s the bigger piece for us, right? It’s really about building community.”

The event this year will be held on Georgian Bay and is just one of several events taking place in the next three days.

Events kicked off Thursday night with a guided medicine hike and star teaching, while Day 2 on Friday features the canoe journey. Day 3 will be spent celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.

“Everything starts at 930 a.m. with our unceded Journey Tour,” Wassegijig said.

“It’s really an infused experience. It’s a historical tour … But it’s going to be infused with Haudenosaunee history and their history of wampum and so it’s going to be really special.”

Special smoke dance

Saturday will also include a powwow featuring a special smoke dance and woodland showcase, a presentation of Baagaadowwin and Lacrosse, as well as a two nations culinary experience.

“I think my favourite part is celebrating the two cultures on one dish. It really represents that wampum, the one dish with one spoon,” said Jaquie Jamieson of Six Nations Tourism.

Organizers said the event is all about amplifying the voice of Indigenous tourism.

“We appreciate all the people who come out and listen and learn and take away what they can and share it with other people,” Jamieson added.

Wikwemikong Tourism will travel to six nations in October for a similar event to celebrate the harvest season.

Organizers hope to expand the event next year by bringing the culinary experience to Berlin Food Week.