Kistachowan Sipi Rafting Excursion 2012
Photo by Karen Metatawabin Wesley
The Fort Albany Rafting Excursion 2012 successfully arrived on May 27, 2012. The excursion, we are happy to report, was incident free, returning a healthy and rejuvenated crew. As usual the crew (or students) discovered that we have a substantial traditional territory to monitor. The trip tested their patience.
We saw many wonderful sights; eagles, geese, herons, bear, beaver and a multitude of smaller game. Participants saw the sun rise and saw the sun set to the west. That is a full day of awareness. As the darkness arrived they were very happy to retire to their bunk.
On a long trip like this, it is important to maintain good relations with the other participants. Quarters are small, conveniences to the barest minimum and lone time not available. We carried water, scoped from the departure landing, which to say the least was not very clean. It was murky, brown and full of contaminants. Based on an emerging philosophy from Japan, with positive thoughts water can be made clean. Participants were instructed at the beginning of the trip to direct good, positive thoughts to the container, now and then. The water, checked at Apamut (almost halfway) was cleaner and clearer. The water that arrived in the community was crystal clear and clean. Good thoughts can also work on individuals and why not have good thoughts all day?
We arrived back in the community behind a stiff north wind, with rain and snow testing our navigation and co-operative skills. Two young men from the community met us before the Big Rapids to give us assistance. That is always welcomed on our part.
Participants arrived in the community exhausted, hungry and relieved to be home. They had just completed a 14-day excursion, there and back, and what they have achieved is very significant. Nobody will be able to take away their experience. That is theirs for the rest of their lives. As the crew of Paquataskamik Kistachowan Excursion #3, we are satisfied that we brought everyone home, safe, healthy and proud.
-Written by Edmund Metatawabin
We saw many wonderful sights; eagles, geese, herons, bear, beaver and a multitude of smaller game. Participants saw the sun rise and saw the sun set to the west. That is a full day of awareness. As the darkness arrived they were very happy to retire to their bunk.
On a long trip like this, it is important to maintain good relations with the other participants. Quarters are small, conveniences to the barest minimum and lone time not available. We carried water, scoped from the departure landing, which to say the least was not very clean. It was murky, brown and full of contaminants. Based on an emerging philosophy from Japan, with positive thoughts water can be made clean. Participants were instructed at the beginning of the trip to direct good, positive thoughts to the container, now and then. The water, checked at Apamut (almost halfway) was cleaner and clearer. The water that arrived in the community was crystal clear and clean. Good thoughts can also work on individuals and why not have good thoughts all day?
We arrived back in the community behind a stiff north wind, with rain and snow testing our navigation and co-operative skills. Two young men from the community met us before the Big Rapids to give us assistance. That is always welcomed on our part.
Participants arrived in the community exhausted, hungry and relieved to be home. They had just completed a 14-day excursion, there and back, and what they have achieved is very significant. Nobody will be able to take away their experience. That is theirs for the rest of their lives. As the crew of Paquataskamik Kistachowan Excursion #3, we are satisfied that we brought everyone home, safe, healthy and proud.
-Written by Edmund Metatawabin