The Canoe we are honoured to have on stage is a 1958 16-foot Chestnut Indian Maiden. It is borrowed from James Raffen, author, filmmaker, teacher, and one of Canada’s greatest explorers.
An ardent canoeist, James notes the importance of recognizing that we are not all in the same canoe, but we are all in the same river.
James also has connections with the song, River of Nations, which we were showing onscreen as you came in before the Keynote on the first day of WC-EH.
A signature project for Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation, Canada C3 was an epic 150-day sailing journey from Toronto to Victoria via the Northwest Passage. (See About – Canada C3 | Coast to Coast to Coast) Along with other members of the expedition, James was involved in creating the song.
Canada C3 describes River of Nations as a journey of reconciliation, a collaboration in the universal language of music hoping to send a message of love, understanding, and healing to all of Canada. It combines English, French, Mohawk, and Spanish lyrics.
If this beautiful antique canoe has piqued your interest, you might want to visit the recently opened Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario. Home – The Canadian Canoe Museum