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Adventure In Understanding canoe journey again sees youths connect with themselves, each other, the land and the water

By Paul Rellinger -
From August 27 to September 1, 2023, 20 First Nations and non-native youth and five leaders paddled 100 kilometres from Beavermead Park in Peterborough to Curve Lake First Nation in Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha's eighth annual Adventure In Understanding trip. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)

Something that isn’t broken doesn’t require fixing, but that doesn’t mean a tweak here and there isn’t beneficial. That said, the six-day Adventure In Understanding canoe trip, an ongoing project of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, is far from broken.

With the eighth edition now in the books, the experiential journey remains true to its original intent of providing First Nations and non-native youth, aged 16 to 18 years old, with the trip of a lifetime via a 100-kilometre trek from Beavermead Park to Curve Lake First Nation.

With the Canadian Canoe Museum, Camp Kawartha and Curve Lake First Nation fully on board as partners, the first Adventure In Understanding program was offered in 2014. While just four students made the inaugural trek, that grew to 20 young people in 2016.

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But this time around, a tweak came in the form of the participation of Dorianna Chessa — a land-based educator with the Gulf Islands School District in British Columbia, specifically Salt Spring Island in the Strait of Georgia off south Vancouver Island — who brought two paddles with her that were carved by someone from Curve Lake.

The pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020 and 2021 but it returned in 2022, and this year’s journey saw 20 youth and five leaders depart August 27 from Beavermead Park, making overnight stops at Trent University’s Champlain College, Lakefield College School, Camp Kawartha, and Wolf Island Provincial Park before arriving at Curve Lake First Nation — where a celebratory feast and ceremonial tree planting on September 1 marked the end of the journey.

Rotarian Don Watkins has been involved since day one, working with fellow service club member Janet McLeod to forge and nurture partnerships with the Canadian Canoe Museum, Camp Kawartha, and Curve Lake First Nation that remain intact to this day.

When not on the water, the group was treated to teachings by Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott, Canadian Bushcraft owner Caleb Musgrave of Hiawatha First Nation, Brittany Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation, and Curve Lake Elder Lorenzo Whetung. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)
When not on the water, the group was treated to teachings by Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott, Canadian Bushcraft owner Caleb Musgrave of Hiawatha First Nation, Brittany Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation, and Curve Lake Elder Lorenzo Whetung. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)

This year’s trek, says Watkins, saw youths from 12 Ontario communities participate — five from the Peterborough area — alongside a Rotary exchange student from Kanzawa, Japan and one of Chessa’s former students. Five of participants, notes Watkins, have Indigenous heritage as part of their background.

“Canoe and no phones equals friendship,” says Watkins, a reference to the close bond that develops between the paddlers when they are bereft of the technology that has defined a generation. “It only takes about a day (before they don’t miss having their phones). They’re so busy being involved and talking to their new friends.”

Watkins, who is chair of the program, works behind the scenes on trip registration and confirming the itinerary, which includes overnight accommodations and food provision. Along for the trip, however, were five on-water leaders — Peterborough musician, puppeteer, and environmental educator Glen Caradus among them. Caradus, notes Watkins, has made all eight trips.

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When not on the water, the group was treated to teachings by Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott, Canadian Bushcraft owner Caleb Musgrave of Hiawatha First Nation, Brittany Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation, and Curve Lake Elder Lorenzo Whetung.

The agenda was not unlike that of trips in past years, the exception being Chessa’s participation, which is a story onto itself.

“I was looking for a paddle to buy and found these beautiful hand-carved paddles on the Facebook marketplace in Victoria,” she recalls, noting she bought three of the paddles. “As I was leaving, he (the seller) told me they had been carved by someone from Curve Lake First Nation. When I got home, I googled ‘Curve Lake First Nation paddle’ and the Adventure In Understanding program came up.”

Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott (middle) with Dorianna Chessa (left), a land-based educator with the Gulf Islands School District in British Columbia who brought one of her former students with Ojibwe ancestry (right) to participate in Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha's eighth annual Adventure In Understanding trip. Chessa also brought two paddles she purchased in B.C. that were carved by someone from Curve Lake First Nation. (Photo courtesy of Dorianna Chessa)
Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott (middle) with Dorianna Chessa (left), a land-based educator with the Gulf Islands School District in British Columbia who brought one of her former students with Ojibwe ancestry (right) to participate in Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha’s eighth annual Adventure In Understanding trip. Chessa also brought two paddles she purchased in B.C. that were carved by someone from Curve Lake First Nation. (Photo courtesy of Dorianna Chessa)

Having created her own non-profit organization, the Outdoor Wellness Leadership Society, just last year, Chessa was intrigued. She subsequently emailed Watkins to learn more. Watkins details what happened next.

“I showed her email to a friend of mine,” he explains. “When I said ‘This person wants to come and see what’s going on,’ (my friend) said ‘I have a surplus of air miles. I will donate them to pay for her to come.'”

“When Glen and I were talking to her (via Facetime), we talked about the program and then we asked ‘Would you like to come?’,” Watkins adds. “She was blown away. She called me back the next morning and said ‘Yes, I want to come.'”

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“It was pretty hard to pass up,” says Chessa. “The only thing I felt unsure about was taking the place of an Indigenous youth. So I asked one of my former students, who has Ojibwe ancestry, if she wanted to come. I worked it out with her family and Don and she was able to.”

Chessa brought two of the paddles with her.

“She used one and I used the other for the whole paddle. I brought two thinking I was going leave one, but I brought them both back with me. It seemed like the right thing to do was to keep them paddling.”

When not paddling during the Adventure In Understanding trip, the young participants were engaged in various educational and team-building activities. No cell phones were allowed during the trip. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)
When not paddling during the Adventure In Understanding trip, the young participants were engaged in various educational and team-building activities. No cell phones were allowed during the trip. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)

Chessa was so impressed by the Adventure In Understanding program, she’s determined to launch and offer a similar program next summer, involving the local Cowichan Nation.

“It was really inspiring to see youths connecting in this way,” she says. “One of them said she felt like she was curious to learn and related how good that felt. It’s such a different way to connect — being on the land, being on the water, being without cellphones, having teachings every evening from different Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers.”

Chessa echoes comments made by previous participants about the life-changing impact the journey can have on youth.

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“They have the opportunity to have a healthy relationship with themselves, with others, and with the land and water,” she says. “They grow up in a way that they haven’t grown up before. They can relate to others from a place of who they really are, and not who they’re trying to fit in to be.”

For his part, Watkins remains thrilled that Chessa connected with him and was able to participate with an eye on offering a similar program in B.C.

“It’s the first time, since the program started, that anybody has picked up on it,” says Watkins, adding “The best way to find out what happens is to come and be with us.”

Five on-water leaders including Peterborough musician, puppeteer, and environmental educator Glen Caradus (far left) accompanied the 20 First Nations and non-native youth who paddled 100 kilometres from Beavermead Park in Peterborough to Curve Lake First Nation in Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha's eighth annual Adventure In Understanding trip. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)
Five on-water leaders including Peterborough musician, puppeteer, and environmental educator Glen Caradus (far left) accompanied the 20 First Nations and non-native youth who paddled 100 kilometres from Beavermead Park in Peterborough to Curve Lake First Nation in Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha’s eighth annual Adventure In Understanding trip. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)

“We have a small program here. We can’t get any bigger — we don’t want to get any bigger — but we think it’s a template that others can copy.”

Watkins is equally thrilled to hear positive comments from parents of youths who participated, one of whom wrote “It’s clear to me that this experience had a profound impact on (my son). He has returned a more mature and stronger young man.’

“I was quite overwhelmed when I read that,” says Watkins. “Yes, it takes some time to put it together but it’s worth it.”

First launched in 2014, Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha's Adventure In Understanding program brings together both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth on a six-day 100-kilometre canoe journey led by adult volunteer guides and filled with educational and team-building activities, resulting in self-confidence, self-resilience, friendship and, of course, understanding. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)
First launched in 2014, Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha’s Adventure In Understanding program brings together both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth on a six-day 100-kilometre canoe journey led by adult volunteer guides and filled with educational and team-building activities, resulting in self-confidence, self-resilience, friendship and, of course, understanding. (Photo: Dorianna Chessa)

Green Economy Peterborough helps local businesses take action against climate change

By GreenUP -
Trent Health in Motion physiotherapists and co-owners Reanna Montopoli and Michael Williams. Longtime participants in the Shifting Gears Commuter Challenge, Trent Health in Motion is a member of Green Economy Peterborough that recognizes active commuting as a great contribution to emissions reduction for their business. (Photo: Terri Lyn Thomas / Kaspi Creative)

If you are a weather watcher, as many Canadians are, you will have been gripped this summer by wildfire smoke events locally and by news of fires in British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Maui.

Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Jackie Donaldson, Program Coordinator, Green Economy Peterborough.

Unprecedented in ferocity and scope, these events are exacerbated by climate change, a warming of the average global temperature that needs to be mitigated with local action. A warming planet means more moisture is absorbed into the atmosphere, contributing to the warm and dry conditions that are causing the fire season to start earlier and last longer, and forests to burn faster and hotter.

Globally, businesses are also feeling the heat with many taking action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

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This past spring, the City of Peterborough released the Community Sector Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Update, a report highlighting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction activity outside direct municipal control. In the report, the city identified three initiatives that aid the reduction of climate pollution in the business sector:

  • Enbridge’s Fixed Incentive Program, a program that helps businesses to reduce space heating and water consumption.
  • Save On Energy, an initiative from Hydro One that provides funding for equipment and lighting efficiency upgrades.
  • Green Economy Peterborough, a local membership program hosted by GreenUP that stewards businesses through a process to measure and reduce their climate impact.

With these programs, the city aims to see reductions of 7,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2030 from 2011 levels, states the report. That’s the equivalent of removing over 1,500 gasoline-powered cars from our roads for one year.

Lori Moloney, Matt Wilkinson, and Don Allin of Otonabee Conservation, which cares deeply about protecting our watershed. They are working with Green Economy Peterborough to support an organization-wide climate action plan that includes a review of their operational greenhouse gas emissions. (Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation)
Lori Moloney, Matt Wilkinson, and Don Allin of Otonabee Conservation, which cares deeply about protecting our watershed. They are working with Green Economy Peterborough to support an organization-wide climate action plan that includes a review of their operational greenhouse gas emissions. (Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation)

Green Economy Peterborough’s local business members are taking up the challenge. From green service providers like Generation Solar and Cambium Consulting + Engineering to more traditional businesses like Peterborough Golf & Country Club and Rodlin Instruments, Green Economy Peterborough members are working towards reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that occur as a result of their operational practices.

With Green Economy Peterborough’s support, members evaluate natural gas and electricity use, business travel, fleet efficiency, product transport, and other sources for excess emissions and reduction opportunities.

The city’s Community Sector Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Update estimates that 14 per cent of our community emissions will decrease by 2030 without additional provincial or federal programming, policies, or incentives. This is far below the emissions reductions goal of 45 per cent needed by 2030 (with net zero by 2050) to avoid catastrophic climate change impacts.

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Not only is a focus on reductions urgent for the climate, but it also increases business efficiency and resilience, as costs continue to rise.

“(Reducing climate impact) is good for businesses,” says City of Peterborough climate change coordinator James Byrne. “If you can reduce your impact through energy efficiency, energy switching, changing how things are shipped or packaged, that has an impact on the bottom line. It’s worth it.”

By participating in an initiative like Green Economy Peterborough, businesses can become eligible for funding, meet accelerating client and community expectations, keep current with changes occurring within the global economy, prepare their businesses for future regulations and, importantly, protect themselves against slower economic periods.

Pictured at the 2022 Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival, Green Economy Peterborough member Lett Architects Inc walk the talk. Not only are they leaders in their sector guiding clients in future-ready building design and procurement, they are working in-house to become operationally net zero. (Photo courtesy of Kristy Hook)
Pictured at the 2022 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, Green Economy Peterborough member Lett Architects Inc walk the talk. Not only are they leaders in their sector guiding clients in future-ready building design and procurement, they are working in-house to become operationally net zero. (Photo courtesy of Kristy Hook)

Businesses are dealing with a lot at this time. Many are still reeling from the impacts of the pandemic through supply change challenges, staffing upheavals, and fluctuations in the marketplace. With the support of Green Economy Peterborough, businesses become more efficient, future-focused, resilient risk managers during unprecedented times of change.

In addition, they contribute to City of Peterborough and Peterborough County’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts and help to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change on the community. For business leaders, engaging in climate solutions is a win-win-win.

Green Economy Peterborough is now recruiting members for the next cohort. Visit www.greeneconomypeterborough.ca for more information and a full list of our local business leader members.

Grady’s Feet Essentials in Peterborough has always been one step ahead of the game

By Megan Gallant -
Kelli and Tony Grady (pictured with "shop dog" Luna) have owned Grady's Feet Essentials since 1997, with the destination footwear store well known for its wide selection of Blundstone and Birkenstock products and its customer-service focus. Now located at King and Aylmer streets in downtown Peterborough, Grady's carries more than 30 high-quality brands in addition to Blundstone and Birkenstock, including Keen, Teva, Redback, Clarks, Finn Comfort, New Balance, and Brooks. (Photo courtesy of Grady's Feet Essentials)

Whether it’s predicting the next big thing in footwear or getting ahead of the curve with new technology, Grady’s Feet Essentials in downtown Peterborough has always been leading the way.

Tony Grady first began working for his father’s business 11 years before he and his wife Kelli purchased it and changed the name to Grady’s Feet Essentials in 1997. Since then, the couple have been providing quality service to people who come from all over to purchase top brands including Birkenstock, Blundstone, Keen, Teva, Redback, Clarks, and Finn Comfort.

Now, after more than two decades of operating out of Lansdowne Place Mall, Grady’s Feet Essentials has moved entirely to its location at 231 King Street in downtown Peterborough.

For decades, Grady's Feet Essentials has been the region's destination footwear store for Blundstone boots. In the 1990s, owners Kelli and Tony Grady predicted the future popularity of the Australian brand because of its ease and comfort, despite other retailers not being impressed by the brand's then-novel design. (Photo courtesy of Grady's Feet Essentials)
For decades, Grady’s Feet Essentials has been the region’s destination footwear store for Blundstone boots. In the 1990s, owners Kelli and Tony Grady predicted the future popularity of the Australian brand because of its ease and comfort, despite other retailers not being impressed by the brand’s then-novel design. (Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials)

When Tony and Kelli Grady first purchased the downtown building in 2018, they were using it for office space and inventory. When pandemic restrictions meant they couldn’t operate out of the mall, the couple began using the downtown location for curbside pick-up and, when allowed, to size customers out front.

According to Kelli, this allowed the couple to “test the waters” of the downtown location. They continued to operate at both locations before they decided to completely relocate the business to the downtown location last year.

“It’s got a comfortable, pleasant feeling that our staff and customers love,” explains Kelli, adding that another perk of the new location is getting to bring the couple’s “shop dog” Luna to work with them.

Tony says customers typically come to Grady’s Feet Essentials as a “destination store” to find specific brands, rather than just browsing and window shopping. Grady’s is well known for its huge selection of Blundstone (including CSA, thermal, high top, and heeled) and Birkenstock footwear, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the region.

“We were the first retailer in the area to have Blundstone in the 1990s,” says Kelli, also noting they recognized the ease and comfort of the brand even when other retailers were not impressed by its then-novel design. “Our customers know us as the experts on how to fit them, what style is going to be best for their foot, how to make them fit well with insoles, and how to care for them.”

Customers also often come to Grady’s Feet Essentials looking for comfortable footwear, making New Balance and Brooks some of their most sought-after brands. Altogether, the store stocks upwards of 30 high-quality, comfortable shoe brands in addition to a supply of accessories, including Secrid wallets, slippers, bags, and insoles.

Known for its selection of Birkenstock and other comfort brands such as Finn Comfort, Grady's Feet Essentials is also focused on providing the best possible customer service. Grady's uses a "sit-and-fit" method where staff measure a customer's foot, recommend suitable shoe styles, help them fit the shoes, and make adjustments and find solutions based on the customer's comfort and preference. (Photo courtesy of Grady's Feet Essentials)
Known for its selection of Birkenstock and other comfort brands such as Finn Comfort, Grady’s Feet Essentials is also focused on providing the best possible customer service. Grady’s uses a “sit-and-fit” method where staff measure a customer’s foot, recommend suitable shoe styles, help them fit the shoes, and make adjustments and find solutions based on the customer’s comfort and preference. (Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials)

The downtown location of Grady’s Feet Essentials maintains the same focus on customer service the business has always been known for. For example, staff at Grady’s practise the “sit-and-fit” method. Staff will measure a customer’s foot, recommend suitable shoe styles, help them fit the shoes, and make adjustments and find solutions based on the customer’s comfort and preference.

“The nice thing with our staff is they understand all those nuances of how the different brands fit,” says Kelli, adding that customers often wear a different shoe size from brand to brand. “Our staff know from experience and can help direct people to what’s going to be the best for them. It is very satisfying for us to be able to help people find what works for them.”

“Our staff genuinely want to help people and they want to make sure that what they sell you is good for your feet, and that you’re happy and it’s going to suit your needs,” she says.

Grady's Feet Essentials is one of the first stores in the province to use a foot scanner that can help staff better recommend shoe sizes and fitting for customers. With more than 51,000 gold-plated sensors and four depth cameras, the scanner converts the data into a 3D model using over 3.5 million data points. (Photo courtesy of Grady's Feet Essentials)
Grady’s Feet Essentials is one of the first stores in the province to use a foot scanner that can help staff better recommend shoe sizes and fitting for customers. With more than 51,000 gold-plated sensors and four depth cameras, the scanner converts the data into a 3D model using over 3.5 million data points. (Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials)

Within the past year, Kelli and Tony have also enlisted the help of a new foot scanner that helps staff make even more accurate recommendations to their customers. With more than 5,100 gold-plated sensors and four depth cameras, the scanner converts the data into a 3D model using over 3.5 million data points.

Grady’s is the first footwear store in the region to use this cutting-edge technology.

“The foot scanner gives us all this great information to help fit the shoes better and know what to recommend,” explains Tony. “The technology is remarkable.”

Labelled by Kelli and Tony Grady as the "future of shoe fitting," the cutting-edge technology of the foot scanner can help customers pinpoint the major pains and pressure points in their feet. Not only does it help with the fit of their footwear, customers often have the scan results emailed to them so they can share the results with friends, family, and health professionals. (Photo courtesy of Grady's Feet Essentials)
Labelled by Kelli and Tony Grady as the “future of shoe fitting,” the cutting-edge technology of the foot scanner can help customers pinpoint the major pains and pressure points in their feet. Not only does it help with the fit of their footwear, customers often have the scan results emailed to them so they can share the results with friends, family, and health professionals. (Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials)

The store owners explain they can gather a lot of information from the 3D models, and customers often have the scan results emailed to them so they can share the results with friends, family, and health professionals.

“Many people don’t realize their feet are hurting because they’ve never had anybody properly fitting them,” Tony points out. “They’ve been suffering, not realizing that it was really just the wrong shoe size or maybe the wrong style of shoe for the shape of their foot.”

Just as the couple recognized the potential of Blundstone back in the 1990s, they recognize the potential of their new foot scanner.

“This technology could be the future of shoe fitting,” Tony says.

As a destination footwear store, customers come from all over to visit Grady's Feet Essentials for their wide selection of top comfort brands. Knowledgeable and experienced staff know how each shoe and size fit, allowing them to make recommendations based on the measurement and shape of a customer's foot. Grady's focus on service doesn't stop when a customer has made a purchase. For example, customers who buy Blundstone receive instructions on how to care for them, and they can come back to Grady's to get their boots cleaned, polished, and protected, and even get the tabs replaced. (Photo courtesy of Grady's Feet Essentials)
As a destination footwear store, customers come from all over to visit Grady’s Feet Essentials for their wide selection of top comfort brands. Knowledgeable and experienced staff know how each shoe and size fit, allowing them to make recommendations based on the measurement and shape of a customer’s foot. Grady’s focus on service doesn’t stop when a customer has made a purchase. For example, customers who buy Blundstone receive instructions on how to care for them, and they can come back to Grady’s to get their boots cleaned, polished, and protected, and even get the tabs replaced. (Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials)

Grady’s focus on service doesn’t stop when a customer has made a purchase. For example, customers who buy a pair of Blundstone boots receive instructions on how to care for them. In addition, they can get their boots cleaned, polished, and protected for just $20 per pair and can get the tabs replaced — even if the boots weren’t originally purchased from Grady’s.

To extend the life of their Birkenstock sandals purchased at Grady’s, customers can return to Grady’s every six months to have the exposed cork resealed with a fresh layer of glue at no charge.

Beyond running their successful business, both Tony and Kelli are active in the community, with each acting as board members for the Rotary Club of Peterborough and donating gift cards for local fundraisers. They also sponsor 4th Line Theatre, the Community Care Foot Clinic, New Stages Theatre, and Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival.

“We love giving back to the community that supports us,” says Kelli. “Anything we can do to make a stronger, healthier community is great for us, our employees, and our customers.”

After operating out of Lansdowne Place for over two decades, Grady's Feet Essentials has fully relocated to its new location in downtown Peterborough at 231 King Street, on the southeast corner of King and Aylmer. (Photo courtesy of Grady's Feet Essentials)
After operating out of Lansdowne Place for over two decades, Grady’s Feet Essentials has fully relocated to its new location in downtown Peterborough at 231 King Street, on the southeast corner of King and Aylmer. (Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials)

As members of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, the couple are happy to be back in the downtown core where the business originally began.

“We’ve always had a warm spot for downtown and we see the potential in downtown,” says Tony. “It’s just exciting to be here again.”

Now open seven days a week, Grady’s Feet Essentials is located at 231 King Street, on the southeast corner of King and Aylmer, in downtown Peterborough. To browse and shop online, visit feetessentials.com. For new products and other updates, follow @gradyshoes on Facebook, and Instagram, and Twitter (now called X).

Grady's Feet Essentials logo. (Graphic: Grady's Feet Essentials)

 

This branded editorial was created in partnership with Grady’s Feet Essentials. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Celebration of wild rice and Indigenous food sovereignty returns to Curve Lake First Nation on September 23

By kawarthaNOW -
Anishinaabe and Potawatomi artist Chief Lady Bird created this illustration for the annual Mnoominkewin gathering, a celebration of wild rice and Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural resurgence. This year's gathering returns to Curve Lake First Nation on September 23, 2023, and holds special significance on the 100-year anniversary of the 1923 Williams Treaty that curtailed the inherent right of Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg to freely engage in harvesting, hunting, and fishing. (Illustration: Chief Lady Bird)

The annual Mnoominkewin gathering, a celebration of wild rice and Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural resurgence, returns to Curve Lake First Nation for its fourth year on Saturday, September 23rd with a full day of immersive experiences, educational talks, storytelling, hand drumming, and performances.

Taking place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lime Kiln Park, this year’s gathering has heightened significance on the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the 1923 Williams Treaty and will include two special guest speakers: Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae and Dr. Fred Metallic, director of natural resources of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, between Quebec and New Brunswick.

Mnoomin (pronounced mah-noh-min), meaning the good seed or the spirit seed, is the Anishinaabemowin word for wild rice. It is the only grain native to what is now known as North America and has sustained Anishinaabeg peoples for millennia. The practice of planting, tending, gathering, and processing mnoomin into food is called mnoominke, with mnoominkewin describing the way of life, art, and culture that develops as the community practises mnoominke.

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The Mnoominkewin gathering provides an opportunity for attendees to participate in a full day of experiential learning, from planting and harvesting mnoomin to the process of processing it into food. Throughout the day, Anishinaabeg chefs will cater breakfast, lunch, and dinner to showcase the region’s culinary flavours and traditions, with mnoomin taking centre stage.

The gathering will also see engaging discussions led by Indigenous knowledge keepers and experts in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, nutrition, and wild rice cultivation.

Former politician Bob Rae, now Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York, will discuss the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Dr. Fred Metallic, director of natural resources of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, will share lessons from his community’s development of their salmon law and implementation of their ranger program.

Canada's ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae and Dr. Fred Metallic, director of natural resources of Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation, are special guest speakers at the fourth annual Mnoominkewin gathering at Curve Lake First Nation on September 23, 2023. (kawarthaNOW collage)
Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae and Dr. Fred Metallic, director of natural resources of Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, are special guest speakers at the fourth annual Mnoominkewin gathering at Curve Lake First Nation on September 23, 2023. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a Nishnaabeg language workshop and to learn the history of the Williams Treaty through a historical photo exhibit. Accompanying the educational component of the gathering will be performances by traditional hand drummers and singers, an innovative circus arts performance, and evening musical performances that will culminate with a One Hundred Gun Salute fireworks display after sunset.

With 2023 being the centennial anniversary of the signing of the 1923 Williams Treaty, this year’s Mnoominkewin gathering serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength exhibited by Mchi Saagig Nishnaabeg. The Williams Treaty curtailed the inherent right of Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg to freely engage in harvesting, hunting, and fishing, which resulted in many decades of profound hardships, hunger, unjust imprisonment, and prosecution.

“As we come together to gather, plant, process, eat, celebrate, and rekindle familial and communal bonds, we want to undo the legacy of harm inflicted by the colonial government through the Williams Treaty,” says James Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation in a media release. “Mnoominkewin stands as a transformative force, revitalizing our cultural traditions, asserting our inherent sovereignty, and embodying the essence of Mnoominkewin — the art of wild ricing.”

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The Mnoominkewin gathering is a community-driven and family-friendly event open to anyone who wishes to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous food sovereignty. This is no cost to attend and all meals are provided free of charge. You can register in advance on Google Docs.

The gathering is sponsored by Curve Lake First Nation’s Gaming Revenue Fund, Nish Tees, Black Duck Wild Rice, Public Energy Performing Arts, Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, and St. Andrew’s United Church in Beaverton.

For more information about the Mnoominkewin gathering and any schedule updates, visit www.mnoominkewin.com. To donate to Mnoominkewin via Public Energy, visit canadahelps.org.

A screenshot from the short film "Mnoomin: Gift of the Creator" about the first Mnoominkewin gathering in 2020 to celebrate nnoomin (wild rice) and Indigenous food sovereignty. The 2023 gathering returns to Curve Lake First Nation on September 23, 2023.
A screenshot from the short film “Mnoomin: Gift of the Creator” about the first Mnoominkewin gathering in 2020 to celebrate nnoomin (wild rice) and Indigenous food sovereignty. The 2023 gathering returns to Curve Lake First Nation on September 23, 2023.

Kawartha Hypnosis celebrating five-year anniversary and grand re-opening in downtown Peterborough

By Megan Gallant -
Certified hypnotist Rebecca O'Rourke in front of the entrance to 351 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough where her Kawartha Hypnosis clinic is located. She is hosting a free five-year anniversary and grand re-opening event on September 14, 2023. The afternoon event will include a free BBQ lunch, a tour of the renovated clinic, and an educational talk on using hypnosis for healing. (Photo courtesy of Rebecca O'Rourke)

On Thursday (September 14), Kawartha Hypnosis will be welcoming the community into their newly renovated clinic in downtown Peterborough with a five-year anniversary and grand re-opening party.

Held at Kawartha Hypnosis at 351 Charlotte Street, the event will kick off at 12 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a brief speech from Rebecca O’Rourke, a certified hypnotist and director of Kawartha Hypnosis. A free outdoor barbeque lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., and guests will have a chance to tour the new clinic before O’Rourke hosts a free workshop on using hypnosis to enhance healing.

“It’s an appreciation luncheon,” says O’Rourke. “It’s an appreciation for the community, appreciation for medical staff, and appreciation for my clients.”

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Operating out of both Peterborough and Lindsay (165 Kent Street West), O’Rourke uses multi-media hypnosis to help clients with life changes they’re unable to make on their own, with programs for losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing stress, improving sleep, and tackling fears and phobias.

Each month, O’Rourke additionally offers four hours of free workshops to businesses and groups in the community covering topics like stress management and self-hypnosis, depending on the group’s needs. O’Rourke also provides stage comedy hypnosis for those who might be looking to have a little more fun with it.

Since opening her clinic five years ago, O’Rourke has faced several challenges for her business, including pandemic restrictions, last spring’s derecho storm that left Kawartha Hypnosis without power for two weeks and, most recently, a broken water main that flooded the entire clinic and rendered it unusable for four months. During those four months, O’Rourke continued to see clients using space at The Brain Therapy Clinic and the Realign Wellness Centre.

Kawartha Hypnosis is re-opening their newly renovated clinic 351 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough following a water main break that left the space flooded and unusable for four months. The clinic's director Rebecca O'Rourke, a certified hypnotist, is hosting a free five-year anniversary and grand re-opening event on September 14, 2023 to re-introduce Kawartha Hypnosis to the community. (Photos courtesy of Rebecca O'Rourke)
Kawartha Hypnosis is re-opening their newly renovated clinic 351 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough following a water main break that left the space flooded and unusable for four months. The clinic’s director Rebecca O’Rourke, a certified hypnotist, is hosting a free five-year anniversary and grand re-opening event on September 14, 2023 to re-introduce Kawartha Hypnosis to the community. (Photos courtesy of Rebecca O’Rourke)

O’Rourke explains that the grand opening is intended to give back to the community that gave her support, while also celebrating the growth and success of Kawartha Hypnosis despite the obstacles of the past few years.

“We’ve really gotten better from these challenges, even from the flood, because we now have a beautifully renovated space,” says O’Rourke, explaining that even the pandemic encouraged her to make the move to virtual services, ultimately expanding Kawartha Hypnosis with a global reach. “Every challenge seems to help us grow and thrive and we’re appreciative of the community that supports us.”

Now that O’Rourke is moving into her clinic again, the re-opening gives her a chance to re-introduce herself and her services to the community, which is why she has chosen to provide a free educational talk called “Hypnosis for Health and Happiness.”

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“We will be teaching people some tools and tips on using hypnosis techniques to help enhance healing,” she explains. “The mind really does have a powerful ability to heal the body, so we’re teaching people how to use mind instead of focusing on pain.”

The hypnotist has also invited staff from local chiropractic, massage therapy, and naturopath businesses to help them use hypnosis and understand the power of the mind when working with clients.

“They can take some of the tools and use them with their own clients,” she says.”The mind has a component to every person’s journey regardless of who they’re seeing or what they’re seeing them for. Being able to direct them in a way that uses the mind for healing is proven to have greater success rate with healing.”

For more information on services offered by Kawartha Hypnosis, visit kawarthahypnosis.com or follow Kawartha Hypnosis on Facebook and Instagram.

Community Futures Peterborough announces 10 entrepreneurs selected for 2023 ScaleUP program

By Bruce Head -
Ten Peterborough-area businesses have been selected to participate in Community Futures Peterborough's 2023 ScaleUP program, which is designed to address a gap in available training for local entrepreneurs since most training is only focused on the startup growth stage. (Graphic: Community Futures Peterborough)

Community Futures Peterborough has announced the 10 entrepreneurs selected for the 2023 ScaleUP program, which is designed to help Peterborough-area businesses grow.

The not-for-profit economic development organization first piloted the program last year to address a gap in available training for local entrepreneurs, since most training is only focused on the startup growth stage.

Six local women-led businesses participated in the pilot program, which delved into the topics of financial management, supply chain optimization and best practices, people management, crisis management, organizational design, and good governance policies. Through a partnership with Scotiabank, Community Futures Peterborough has been able to double the number of spaces available in the 2023 program up to 12.

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The 10 businesses that will be participating in the 2023 program are Charlea’s Riverside Gardens, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Services, Chemong City Greens, Indigenously Infused, Flow Spa, Lakeshore Designs, Fontaine Source for Sports, Logan Tree Experts, The 3D Shoppe, and Well Grounded Eco-Friendly Gardening.

As was the case last year, the program will be led by Diane Richard, president at both Diatom Consulting and Professional Training Inc. as well as a previous board member with Community Futures Peterborough, and a team of regional experts.

From mid-September to mid-November, participating business owners will learn through a combination of classroom sessions and one-on-one strategic consultations tailored to their unique growth opportunities. Each business owner with complete the program with a tailor-made growth plan for the sustainable expansion of their business.

Community Futures Peterborough is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of the Community Futures Program.

Three Kawarthas attractions winners in Ontario’s Choice Awards

By kawarthaNOW -
Lang Pioneer Village Museum was voted the top small museum/art gallery/historic site in the 2023 Ontario's Choice Awards. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village Museum)

Three attractions in the Kawarthas are winners in the eighth annual Ontario’s Choice Awards — with one eligible for the Attraction of the Year Award.

Organized by Attractions Ontario, a non-profit trade association representing over 500 attractions in the province’s tourism industry, the winners were selected by public online votes from July 1 to September 10 for selected attractions in eight different categories.

Riverview Park & Zoo in Peterborough was voted the top outdoor attraction, Westben in Campbellford was voted the top performing arts attraction, and Lang Pioneer Village in Keene was voted the top small museum/art gallery/historic site.

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The other five winners were Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls (top family entertainment centre), Little Canada in Toronto (top indoor attraction), Blue Heron Cruises in Tobermory (top touring experience), Casa Loma in Toronto (top museum/art gallery/historic site), and Carrousel of Nations in Windsor (top festival and event).

The three attractions that received the most votes across all categories — Little Canada, Riverview Park & Zoo, and Blue Heron Cruises — are eligible for the Attraction of the Year Award.

The winner of the award will be revealed at the Ontario Tourism Summit Awards Gala, held in Mississauga on October 24 and 25.

Three top five finishes for Peterborough police K9 Unit in 2023 National Police Dog Competition

By kawarthaNOW -
Peterborough police constables Dillon Wentworth and Bob Cowie with police service dogs Gryphon and Isaac at the 2023 National Police Dog Competition held in Barrie from September 5 to 9, 2023. Cowie and Isaac placed fourth in drug detection while Wentworth and Gryphon placed fifth in drug detection and fourth in building searches. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Peterborough Police Service video)

The Peterborough Police Service’s K9 Unit had three top five finishes in the 2023 National Police Dog Competition held last week in Barrie.

Presented by the Canadian Police Canine Association and hosted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Barrie Police Service, the five-day event held from September 5 to 9 featured 39 canine teams competing from police and government agencies across the country including the RCMP, the OPP, the Canada Border Services Agency, and many more.

Police constables Bob Cowie and Dillon Wentworth and police service dogs Isaac and Gryphon represented Peterborough in the competition. Cowie and Isaac placed fourth in drug detection while Wentworth and Gryphon placed fifth in drug detection and fourth in building searches.

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“Without a doubt the residents of Peterborough, Lakefield, and Cavan-Monaghan can rest assured that their K9 officers are some of the best in the country and we are proud of their hard work and accomplishments,” says Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts in a media release.

It was the first time the competition has been held in Ontario and the first time the Peterborough Police Service has participated.

“There is a considerable amount of training that goes into ensuring Isaac and Gryphon are ready to serve the community,” Cowie says. “It was a great experience to be able to learn and compete with the best in the country.”

VIDEO: Peterborough Police Service K9 Unit at 2023 National Police Dog Competition

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“We would like to thank all of the supporters of the unit for their kind words,” Wentworth adds. “It was wonderful to know that the community was cheering us on throughout the week.”

Isaac, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix who specializes in drug detection, joined the canine unit in 2019. Gryphon, a Dutch Shepherd who joined the canine unit in 2022, is trained in human scent detection and location, suspect apprehension, article detection, handler protection, and narcotics detection.

“I am impressed with the handlers’ dedication to public safety and using the police service dogs as an appropriate tool in that endeavour,” Betts says. “Congratulations to PCs Cowie and Wentworth and PSDs Isaac and Gryphon on their success and representing Peterborough at such a high level.”

Peterborough’s ReFrame gearing up for 20th anniversary film festival with both online and in-person events

By Megan Gallant -
ReFrame Film Festival's festival director Kait Dueck (kneeling) with Showplace Performance Centre volunteers at the 2023 ReFrame Film Festival. Preparations are underway for the 20th anniversary festival in 2024, which will continue the online screenings that began during the pandemic but will reintroduce a series of in-person events. (Photo: Amelia Foley)

Since 2005, Peterborough’s ReFrame Film Festival has kicked off the new year by creating conversation around social and environmental justice topics, and next year’s 20th anniversary festival will be no different.

Though dates and films are still being finalized, there is one thing the team behind the festival can guarantee: after three years of adjusting to pandemic realities by screening films online, the 2024 festival will provide even more access and connection through the organization’s first ever hybrid delivery of online and in-person events.

“For accessibility reasons, screening online has been a really important advancement for the festival, but we also heard from our audiences that they really miss the synergy, the engagement, and the hustle and bustle (of in-person events),” says festival director Kait Dueck. “They miss getting out of their houses and coming together in the community to engage in a dialogue of important issues.”

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Dueck is relatively new in her role, having taken over the position from Jay Adam last October, just in time for the launch of the 2023 festival. Prior to joining ReFrame, she was an artistic administrator and volunteer coordinator for over a decade, most recently at Showplace Performance Centre, which was the festival’s main venue before the pandemic. Well versed in the arts, Dueck also has 20 years of experience in performance as an actor and musician.

Joining Dueck in the planning is creative director Eryn Lidster. Another new addition to the ReFrame team, Lidster adds the move to a hybrid festival is the natural next step.

“It’s about honouring what people have done up until now to bring us to this point,” Lidster says. “The flip side of that, as always, is how do we continue for another 20 years? What do we do next? What is the future of the festival?” It helps ReFrame think about long term-goals and just everything that people have done to get us to this really magical moment.”

Festival director Kait Dueck and creative director Eryn Lidster are the core staff of the ReFrame Film Festival, an not-for-profit organization overseen by a board of directors chaired by Deborah Berrill that relies on the support of volunteers as well as government support, community donations, and sponsors like the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. (Photos: ReFrame Film Festival)
Festival director Kait Dueck and creative director Eryn Lidster are the core staff of the ReFrame Film Festival, an not-for-profit organization overseen by a board of directors chaired by Deborah Berrill that relies on the support of volunteers as well as government support, community donations, and sponsors like the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. (Photos: ReFrame Film Festival)

Prior to joining ReFrame back in April, Lidster had supported the production of over 40 performance works in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong and has also been a passionate supporter of local artists and art organizations. Using their experience in project management and pairing it with the creativity evident in their award-winning international film work, Lidster has found quick comfort at ReFrame.

“The festival has been such a cornerstone in all of my work in the arts community,” Lidster says. “Joining ReFrame really felt like something I’ve been working towards for a long time without realizing it.”

“The confluence of skills that Eryn brings to the organization is incomparable and an absolute perfect fit,” Dueck adds. “They are exactly who we need.”

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Together, Dueck and Lidster are co-leading the non-profit charitable organization’s plans for the upcoming 20th anniversary festival. While submissions for the 2024 festival are closed, Lidster explains they are still very interested in speaking with local and Indigenous filmmakers who would like to discuss their work.

Though no dates for the 2024 festival have yet been announced, the festival typically begins during the final weekend in January. But eager viewers don’t have to wait until the new year to get a taste of the type of documentaries that will be shown at the festival.

To further meet ReFrame’s vision of enhancing dialogue around social justice, the team launched the Mission Miniseries. Presented and sponsored by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), the inaugural series features four free in-person screenings in Peterborough throughout August and September.

“ReFrame’s field of excellence is their ability to curate documentary films that drive compelling conversation into the heart of our city,” says Hillary Flood, Vibrancy Manager of the Peterborough DBIA. “This new miniseries is an extension of their important work in signal boosting stories that matter.”

VIDEO: “Supporting Our Selves” trailer

Lidster explains the idea of the Mission Miniseries arose from feedback from festival-goers.

“We heard from our community about wanting more in-person events coming out of the pandemic, and also wanting more programming outside of the main festival,” explains Lidster. “It’s a desire I share to be more in the community to get feedback from people and really get to know the community.”

Following the screening of selected bicycle-related shorts at Peterborough GreenUP’s Summer Ride Club celebration at Nicholls Oval Pavilion on August 31, the first feature film in the miniseries was last Friday’s Artspace screening of Zac Russell’s Someone Lives Here, which sold out days in advance.

Presented in partnership with Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH), Someone Lives Here was chosen for its focus on highlighting the voices of the unhoused people who were directly affected. According to Dueck, the award-winning film is both “impactful” and “challenging” in its telling of a Toronto carpenter who built life-saving shelters for unhoused people during the winter pandemic.

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Lidster and Dueck also add that that when selecting films for the screenings, they largely consider documentaries focused on the social justice issues most present within the local community.

“ReFrame’s longstanding goal is not only presenting critically important issues and sparking dialogue, but always linking the issues presented on screen with action that is happening in the community,” says Dueck. “It’s not about things being bleak and challenging — it’s thinking about what we’re going to do about it. We’re showing the reverse: presenting people who are on the ground, lifting us up. These are the access points to make change.”

Next on the schedule for the Mission Miniseries is a screening of Lulu Wei’s Supporting Our Selves, presented in partnership with Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride. Through the lens of a grassroots organization, the film explores how and why Toronto’s queer community has grown and evolved in the last four decades.

“Looking at intersectionality and trying to build inclusive spaces and programs feels central, and so important, to the work of social justice, the work of Nogojiwanong Pride and to ReFrame,” says Lidster. “Sexuality and gender are parts of our complex identities and Supporting Our Selves really celebrates that and demonstrates a care for creating belonging within LGTBQ+ communities.”

The film will be presented at the Peterborough Public Library on Tuesday, September 19th at 6 p.m.

The documentary "Hummingbirds" tells the story of 18-year-old Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and 21-year-old Estefanía ‘Beba’ Contreras, two fun-loving Mexican immigrants who turn the camera on themselves as they wait in limbo in the Texas border town of Laredo. The documentary screens on September 28, 2023, at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Traill College in Peterborough as part of ReFrame Film Festival’s free Mission Miniseries presented by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. (Photo: Extra Terrestrial Films)
The documentary “Hummingbirds” tells the story of 18-year-old Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and 21-year-old Estefanía ‘Beba’ Contreras, two fun-loving Mexican immigrants who turn the camera on themselves as they wait in limbo in the Texas border town of Laredo. The documentary screens on September 28, 2023, at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Traill College in Peterborough as part of ReFrame Film Festival’s free Mission Miniseries presented by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. (Photo: Extra Terrestrial Films)

To close the Miniseries, ReFrame is partnering with OPIRG Dis-Orientation and the New Canadians Centre to present Hummingbirds, a documentary that shares the bond between two young friends stuck in the immigration process of a politically divided America.

“I am thrilled to have the support of the New Canadians Centre to deepen our understanding of the film and share local perspectives at the event,” says Lidster, who adds that the film is “beautifully shot and moving” and made them laugh when they saw it.

The award-winning film is being screened on Thursday, September 28th at 7 p.m. at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Traill College (315 Dublin St., Peterborough).

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While the Mission Miniseries is entirely free, the directors encourage festival viewers to give where they can, as ReFrame relies heavily on donations and sponsorship support to be able to provide the main festival at a pay-what-you-can price point.

“It’s really important to us to keep the festival financially accessible to our audience,” says Dueck, emphasizing that this year the organization is essentially running two festivals — an online one and an in-person one — using the same resources.

The team is also still seeking volunteers to assist with the festival and are always open to feedback and suggestions to making the event more accessible to a larger audience.

“We want to hear from the community,” explains Lidster. “This is a community-built organization that belongs to all of us, and we just want to get to know the community better.”

ReFrame Film Festival creative director Eryn Lidster introducing the screening of bicycle-themed documentary shorts at Peterborough GreenUP's Summer Ride Club celebration on August 31, 2023 at the Nicholls Oval pavilion. The bike shorts were part of the festival's Mission Miniseries during August and September, presented and sponsored by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. (Photo: Kait Dueck / ReFrame Film festival)
ReFrame Film Festival creative director Eryn Lidster introducing the screening of bicycle-themed documentary shorts at Peterborough GreenUP’s Summer Ride Club celebration on August 31, 2023 at the Nicholls Oval pavilion. The bike shorts were part of the festival’s Mission Miniseries during August and September, presented and sponsored by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. (Photo: Kait Dueck / ReFrame Film festival)

In explaining the Peterborough DBIA’s sponsorship of the Mission Miniseries, Flood points to how ReFrame helps build community by encouraging conversations to make change.

“Through the magic of film and storytelling, ReFrame brings the community together, enriching our minds, while celebrating the defiant power of the human spirit,” she says. “It’s our hope that filmgoers walk away feeling inspired by the power of people. We all have the capacity to be changemakers. ReFrame provides that spark.”

For more information about the Mission Miniseries or to volunteer for or donate to the ReFrame Film Festival, visit reframefilmfestival.ca. To stay tuned on announcements for the upcoming 20th anniversary festival, follow ReFrame on Instagram and Facebook.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of ReFrame Film Festival’s Mission Miniseries.

31-year-old man seriously injured in ATV crash in North Kawartha Township

By kawarthaNOW -

A 31-year-old man has been seriously injured in a single all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash in North Kawartha Township on Saturday afternoon (September 9)

Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say the man was driving his ATV on Jack Lake Road at around 4:55 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road and struck a rock face.

He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening and life-altering injuries, and was later airlifted to a Toronto trauma centre.

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Peterborough County OPP are continuing to investigate the collision.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or has surveillance video or dash-cam footage from this date and time on Jack Lake Road who has not spoken with police, is asked to contact Peterborough County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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