THE MISSION
The Canadian Canoe Pilgrimage brings together different cultures that form the fabric of Canada today. We are providing an experience of encounter that will encourage dialogue, reconciliation and friendship. We are immersed in the Calls-to-Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Journey
A historic canoe voyage undertaken by Samuel de Champlain and Jean de Brebeuf in the care of their First Nations guides.
The Paddlers
The paddlers will consist of Indigenous Peoples, Jesuits, English and French Canadians, men and women, young and old.
The Route
This canoe route is an ancient Indigenous trading route connecting the St. Lawrence River to Lake Huron.
VIDEO
Help support us on our journey
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
TRC
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada spent 5 years uncovering the tragic history of Residential Schools in Canada. These schools were part of a policy of active assimilation that aimed to cut young Indigenous people off from their familial and cultural roots.
Calls to Action
The TRC produced a final report with 94 Calls to Action. Important areas of focus are: education, health, justice, child welfare and Indigenous languages and cultures.
More Information
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
UPDATES
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NEWS
Paddlers complete month-long 850-km reconciliation canoe pilgrimage
More than 30 individuals, Indigenous, Jesuit, English and French Canadian paddlers, have completed a 26 day, 850-kilometre canoeing expedition from Midland, Ontario to Montreal, Québec.
Paddlers to arrive in Ottawa August 9. Special fundraising event to be held
Young people to arrive in Ottawa after paddling hundreds of kilometres, working toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
FOLLOW OUR LIVE SOCIAL STREAM
Social StreamCOUNTDOWN
Paddlers reached Montreal on August 15, 2017
The pilgrimage has been completed successfully.
THE ROUTE
The voyage followed the shores of Georgian Bay to the French River, then along the French River to Lake Nipissing, then along the Mattawa River to the Ottawa River, then down the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence River and to Montreal.
GET INVOLVED
PRAYER AND REFLECTION
We would love to help you animate a prayer service in your local faith community.
COMMUNITY BASED CELEBRATION
Help us organize an event in your community.
BECOME PILGRIMS
If you enjoy canoeing consider joining the paddlers on the river.
THE '67 TRIP
A similar journey, from Midland to Montreal, undertaken by 24 Jesuits 50 years ago.
JESUITS
Who We Are
The Jesuits, an order of priests and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church, have worked in Canada for more than 400 years.
History
The Jesuits first set foot in what is now Canada at Port Royal, Nova Scotia in 1611.
Our Partners
CONTACT US
ADDRESS: 43 Queen's Park Cres. E., Toronto, ON M5S 2C3
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: (647) 850-5411
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