Kichi Sibi Trails, in concert with NECA and the Crichton Community Council, is once again coordinating the July 1st Chief Pinesi Day event in New Edinburgh Park (in and around the Fieldhouse) to honour Algonquin Anishinabe presence in the area. If you’re interested in volunteering opportunities please contact: Kischi Sibi Trails
This year will be a bit different from previous years. Chief Pinesi Day will be the culmination of the Oka to Ottawa: Pinesi Paddle starting on 25 June. Over 40 paddlers, descendants of Chief Pinesi, Algonquins, other indigenous people and settlers will reach Governor Bay below Rideau Hall about 11 AM, likely with members of the Governor General’s Foot Guards.
The Sacred Fire will begin at 8 led by Doug Comegan. The program will be led by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and will feature drumming, singing and dancing by the Spirit Wolf Singers. Councillor Merv Sarazin will MC; Opening prayers will be offered by Kokom Jane Chartrand.
In the morning, attendees can take a land tour along parts of the revitalized Chief Pinesi Portage Trails, which were ancient (approximately 8,000 years old) indigenous portage trails between the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. The trail is marked by signs created by Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg artist Simon Brascoupé.
Want to know more about Chief Pinesi and the portage trail? Visit the Kichi Sibi Trails website.
Kichi Sibi Trails, in concert with NECA and the Crichton Community Council, is once again coordinating the July 1st Chief Pinesi Day event in New Edinburgh Park (in and around the Fieldhouse) to honour Algonquin Anishinabe presence in the area.
Beginning at 9 am with the Sacred Fire, the day-long program – lead by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation – will feature drumming, singing and dancing. Councillor Merv Sarazin will be present for welcoming remarks; Opening prayers will be offered by Kokom Jane Chartrand. With an indigenous veterans honour guard, former Chief Wendy Jocko will speak about Chief Pinesi and his importance to indigenous and Canadian military history.
During both the morning and afternoon, attendees can take a land tour along parts of the revitalized Chief Pinesi Portage Trail, which was an ancient (approximately 8,000 years old) indigenous portage trail between the Ottawa and Rideau rivers. The trail is now marked by signs created by Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg artist Simon Brascoupé.
Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC) is providing the canoes and guides for the Medicine Paddle activity that takes place in the afternoon. Photo courtesy of ONEC
After the ceremonies, there will be an educational walk along the Rideau and a Medicine Paddle from Governor Bay along the Ottawa River (for those who are willing to get their feet wet).
This Chief Pinesi Day, people can visit the Bloodline – Miskwi and Gathering Phases – Bakaan Asiginan murals located on the side of the New Edinburgh Fieldhouse, now with a three language panel description. These colourful ceramic and paint murals were created by the Algonquin mother and daughter team of Doreen and Charlotte Stevens. Miskwi means bloodline and the mural depicts several Algonquin lineages. Bakaan Asiginan signifies the gathering of indigenous people living in harmony with nature through all phases of their lives.
Algonquin artist Doreen Stevens describes the concept of the mural Bloodline – Miskwi, which she and her daughter, Charlotte, created to celebrate and tell the story of this area’s indigenous history.
Who was Chief Pinesi? Chief Constant Pinesi (1768 – 1834) was the last traditional Algonquin Chief to have hunting grounds in Ottawa – at Rideau and Chaudière Falls. He and his four sons fought in critical battles in the Niagara on the British side in the War of 1812. Pinesi was appointed Grand Chief by Governor-General Kempt in 1830.
For over a century, Algonquin Chief Pinesi and later his son, Kigonz and other leaders, often with the Nipissing, petitioned the Government of the day that a portion of their hunting and trapping grounds be untouched by settlement. They never did receive even a small piece of their traditional territory, extending across the Ottawa Valley, and in the end were even displaced for the creation of Algonquin Provincial Park. The many petitions exist today, held in archival files, revealing the truth of a stolen land, still without treaty.
The Crichton Community Council has confirmed that the New Edinburgh Garage Sale (an annual September event) will NOT be taking place this year, due to the pandemic.
As featured in our June 2020 edition. Cut out these Bingo cards and bring them with you on your next walk around New Edinburgh. Cross of the items you find along the way. First person to get a whole row up, down or across is the winner!
The listings below are neither comprehensive, nor an endorsement, and are provided simply as a resource. If you have updates, please send them to neds@newedinburgh.ca.
CLOSED but offers pre-order, prepayment Take Away meals, through Love Local Delivery; Tuesday and Friday, 4:00-7:00 p.m., info@frasercafe.ca or 613-749-1444: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
OPEN, reduced regular store hours 8 am-8 pm, plus designated hour for seniors and those at high risk 7 am-8 am; online purchases for pick up at www.pcexpress.ca; quantity restrictions as needed.
CLOSED – phone orders and home delivery from Cyrville location 613-744-2585; visit https://www.facebook.com/sconewitch/ for updates and Home Delivery Menu.
CLOSED but phone, email or online orders still accepted: 613-742-5030; staff@booksonbeechwood.ca; deliveries via Purolator or Canada Post, or Store Pick by pre-arrangement.
Inspired by the terrific limericks Burgh residents submitted to the “Great New Edinburgh Limerick Contest” of 1979, the NEN team thought it would be fun to revive this poetic challenge for 2020!
The criteria remain the same: Limericks must be on New Edinburgh subjects. Rhyme and metre must be correct. All limericks must be original!
Winning entries will be published in the April 2020 edition of the New Edinburgh News. Local notoriety will be your prize!
Deadline for submissions is March 10, 2020. Send your limericks to newednews@hotmail.com.
The New Edinburgh Community Alliance’s Annual General Meeting will take place at St. Bartholomew’s church hall, 125 MacKay St. at 7 p.m. All New Edinburgh residents are welcome to NECA’s Annual General Meeting and to join the board!
