'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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.