The Metis Canoe Expedition is paddling into many northern communities this summer.
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The expedition, which is sponsored by the Métis Nation of Ontario in partnership with Fort William Historical Park, is re-tracing the 2,000-kilometre historical canoe route employed by voyageurs from the North West Company 200 years ago.
The crew of 10 Métis participants and an expedition leader are paddling a 26-foot replica birch bark canoe from 10 to 12 hours a day during their two-month trek following the Ottawa River � Nipissing � Lake Huron - Lake Superior route to Thunder Bay.
Shawn Patterson, the expedition leader, was involved in a similar expedition that re-traced the canoe routes of Sir Alexander Mackenzie during an initiative undertaken by the Outdoor Recreation Department at Lakehead University from 1989 to 1993.
The goal of this journey is to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Fort William�s Great Rendezvous and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Métis Nation of Ontario.
Participants took a special celebration planned by the Georgian Bay Metis Council at Discovery Harbour in Midland last Saturday.
The group resumes their journey from North Bay today (June 9), travelling the French River to the North Channel of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
They are expected to reach the next major destination, Sault Ste. Marie, on National Aboriginal Day June 21.
For more information, phone Velvet Johnson, Metis Nation of Ontario Park, (613) 798-1488, ext. 2870.
