This 400th anniversary campaign, carried out throughout 2013, is finished. The work to honor treaties with Native Nations and protect the Earth continues. Learn more, or join in that work: contact the Onondaga Nation, Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, Neetopk Keetopk (Hudson Valley), Onondaga Canoe and Kayak Club or Two Row Paddle down the Grand (2016).

Epic Canoe Trip – July 27 Troy

Troy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (7) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (6) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (5) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (4) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (3) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (2) small
Troy July 27 Lindsay Speer (10) smallTroy July 27 2013 Rick van Amersfoort (8) smallTroy July 27 2013 Rick van Amersfoort (7) smallTroy July 27 2013 Rick van Amersfoort (6) smallTroy July 27 2013 Rick van Amersfoort (5) smallTroy July 27 2013 Rick van Amersfoort (4) small
Troy July 27 2013 Rick van Amersfoort (3) smallTroy July 27 Lindsay Speer (7) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (1) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (14) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (13) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (12) small
Troy July 27 Lindsay Speer (6) smallTroy July 27 Lindsay Speer (5) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (11) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (10) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (9) smallTroy July 27 Larry Bringing Good  (8) small

Epic Canoe Trip – July 27 Troy, a set on Flickr.

The final day before our launch down the Hudson was filled with friendship, inspiration and solidarity. The Dakota Unity Riders rode into the the Two Row Kickoff Celebration Festival in Troy. The Festival also featured beautiful words from Mohawk educator Tom Porter, a powerful presentation of the history of the Two Row by Tuscarora artist and scholar Rick Hill and heartfelt expressions of friendship.

The Akwesasne Women Singers shared their beautiful songs, and social dances were shared. Jun-san Yasuda of the Grafton Peace Pagoda joined us, she will be leading a walk alongside both our first and last day on the river.

The people of the Dutch boat the OnRust presented Onondaga Nation Faithkeeper Oren Lyons with a lantern to honor the Onondaga role as the Firekeepers of the Confederacy and then gave a beautiful handmade wooden canoe to Tom Porter. The Rensselaer County Executive, Mayor of Troy and Congressman Paul Tonko all spoke about the importance of the Two Row and the need for people in the non-native boat to live up to our responsibilities.

The paddlers who had made the journey from the Onondaga Nation to Albany two weeks ago were honored with gifts of a framed photograph and bracelets sent by Pua Case from Hawaii.

After the close of the festival, the paddlers and ground crew began our shared time together with dinner and then an orientation focussing on safety reminders, the importance of the good mind and logistical details. We look forward to our first day of paddling with great anticipation!

Via Flickr:
From the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign Kickoff Celebration Festival at Russell Sage College in Troy NY on July 27, 2013