'We need to bring the truth': Ottawa marks the inaugural Chief Pinesi Day
It was a personal journey for Wendy Jocko as she retraced the portage route of her great-grandfather Chief Constant Pinesi on Friday.
Jocko is Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and she helped inaugurate "Chief Pinesi Day" in Ottawa.
The day to be celebrated on July 1 to honour Grand Chief Constant Pinesi, the history of the land, and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
"This is the first ceremony that we are having to honour our Grand Chief Pinesi," Jocko said. "And I think it is important that the city of Ottawa is aware that this was his traditional hunting ground and this is where the national capital is on his territory - Algonquin territory."
Jocko took a canoe along the Ottawa River and docked near Stanley Avenue in New Edinburgh.
"It felt good, I was putting myself in the past to the 1800s," she says. "It felt very special to retrace the footsteps of my great grandfather."
Chief Constant Pinesi was a hunter, a band leader, and a warrior. He fought in the war of 1812, and his hunting grounds were along the Ottawa River. Many of Pinesi’s descendants gathered on the grounds to bring attention to the long-forgotten Grand Chief.
For some members of First Nations communities, Canada Day is a difficult day because of the country’s dark colonial past, including the former residential schools and unmarked graves.
"Today is personal for me," says Merv Sarazin.
Sarazin is a member of the Pikwakanagan First Nation and says he recently learned he is a descendant of Pinesi.
"July 1 is a day we should be recognizing truth and reconciliation, and in light of that we need to bring the truth about Pinesi," Sarazin said.
The Algonquin community as well as other Ottawa residents gathered at the New Edinburgh Fieldhouse to learn about the Chief and his historical significance.
"It was all hidden. And we are bringing it to light," Sarazin said.
Events included traditional drumming and dancing, as well as a sacred fire and prayer. Groups were also lead on a walking tour of the area to learn about the surrounding nature of the land.
Sylvie Beaudry lives in the area and brought her family to, "Learn about the history of the beautiful lands that we live on, and to share that with my boys. And share space with a variety of different people is really nice.”
The Chief Pinesi Portage Trail was also introduced Friday, with interpretive markers along a three kilometre route from the river through Rockcliffe. The route is thought to be where Pinesi portaged to bypass the Rideau Falls.
"I hope that people take the time to learn about First Nation history, not just here in Ottawa but all across Canada," Jocko said. "We have a very rich history, we have been here for thousands of years, and we are here to stay.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.