Epic Canoe Trip
From July 27 – August 9 : Application Deadline Extended to April 2, 2013.
A focal point of the year-long educational and advocacy Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign will be a symbolic “enactment” of the treaty in the summer of 2013. We will bring the treaty to life with Haudenosaunee and other Native People paddling side-by-side with allies and supporters down the Hudson River from Albany to New York City. These two equal, but separate rows will demonstrate the wise, yet simple concept of the Two Row Wampum Treaty.
Fill out an online application:
Application for Haudenosaunee and other Native Peoples
Application for Non-Native Allies
Download an application:
Application for Haudenosaunee and other Native Peoples (pdf)
Application for Non-Native Allies (pdf)
Map and Schedule (pdf)
Background
We will begin with a cultural and educational festival in Albany on Saturday, July 27 and the flotilla will set off the following morning. We will paddle between 9 and 15 miles each day and camp along the route. There will be educational and cultural events along the way, some large and others small. The gatherings will feature talks by Haudenosaunee leaders and allies and cultural sharing. The itinerary is still being finalized. The current version is on the attached application, updates will be available on our website.
We will arrive in New York City on Friday, August 9 to participate in the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
The symbolic enactment and related events will draw thousands of people to the Hudson to learn and be inspired to create an equitable and sustainable future for all in the Hudson Valley and beyond. The events will attract tourists as well as residents. We aim to educate and inspire attendees to transform their relationship to the river and all parts of the natural world, incorporating a sense of historic responsibility for the environment and justice for the original inhabitants of this land.
Participation
We are looking for Haudenosaunee people, other native people and allies who wish to support the goals of the campaign with their hearts, muscles, sweat and spirit. The paddling (in canoes or kayaks) will be strenuous at times (although we will be paddling with the tide), so participants need to be physically prepared to participate effectively. Paddling experience is recommended, but people who are willing to learn and train before next summer are welcome to apply. The Hudson River is a grand and powerful waterway, so we want to treat it with respect and assure the safety of all who participate.
We estimate the cost of participation to be $30/day/person to cover food, camping and logistical support. Ally Participants (non-Native people) must contribute between $30 and $100 per day of participation. Haudenosaunee and other Native peoples will have their fees covered by the campaign. We will offer suggestions for fundraising and soliciting sponsors to help cover that cost. Limited scholarship funds will be available for those who need them.
We also need people to provide various forms of support along the way, set up for and assist at events, camping and meal sites, make food, help with security, conduct outreach to local communities and much more. If you’d like to assist with those tasks (or to spend some time paddling and some time assisting in other ways), please contact us.
Timeline
Please fill out the application as completely as you can and submit it to us. The application deadline has been extended to April 2, 2013. You can mail us a hard copy of the application (downloadable above) or complete it online above.
We will review applications in early February and get back to people during that month with an update on developments. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us (315) 701-1592 or via email at: tworow@peacecouncil.net.
Expectations and Responsibilities
- All participants must agree to the guidelines established for the trip and follow them during our time together. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in being asked to leave the flotilla.
- Conscientious effort to abide by the Two Row Wampum during the trip and beyond
- Act respectfully to all we encounter
- No drugs or alcohol
- Work together cooperatively with the team
- Use the good mind to act to achieve the campaign’s goals
- Follow the leadership team’s decisions in the event of a need for last minute changes
- Follow the planned itinerary and design for the enactment
- Act in ways which enhance your safety and that of all participants
- Act as model environmental stewards in our practices for using energy, reducing consumption, reusing, recycling and not polluting
For More Information or Questions, Contact: Hickory Edwards (Onondaga), (315) 775-7548,
Andy Mager, (NOON), 315-701-1592
