The wiigwaas jiimaan (birch bark canoe) is deeply rooted within Anishinaabek (Anishinaabe people) identity and culture. It connects people to the water, to the land, and to each other. A jiimaanke (canoe build) is a group effort, bringing together families and community members of all ages and skills. It is one of the most complex forms of Anishinaabek science and technology. The jiimaanke took place at Sail Parry Sound beginning on October 7th, 2019. It was led by a team of Indigenous youth known as the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth (GBAY). They were guided by the expertise of a Great Lakes Anishinaabek canoe building team. With community support and the dedication of 40+ Parry Sound High School students, the jiimaan was built in 19 intensive and beautiful days. The building of Oshkinigig was a vision shared by youth, elders, and adults alike to revitalize the wiigwaas jiimaan as part of Anishinaabe aadziwin (way of life) and ininemowin (thought/philosophy).
Nearest city or town: Parry Sound
Project start date: October 7, 2019
End date: October 25, 2019
Project focus: Education / Outreach
Project contact: Kyla Judge