Join the Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton on June 28 for a leisurely midday paddle on one of the more beautiful stretches of the Quinobequin (Charles River). The course winds through lightly developed residential areas and parks. Starting from Newton’s Historic Boathouse, we will pass Norumbega Park, down river, loop around Fox Island, and land at Auburndale Park, where Chef Mea Johnson, Apache Environmental Justice Organizer, Write, Artist, Speaker, Rest & Wellness Facilitator will provide bagged lunches.
This event will start with a Ceremony conducted by Hiawatha Brown. Hiawatha Jon Brown, is a citizen of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, a resident of Newton, and a committee member for Indigenous Peoples Day Newton.
Along the way, you will have the chance to hear from guest Steve Peters a citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Also, while on the waters, Bairaniki Mayowakanex (Cito), Taino from Boriken, will be honoring the Water Spirits with songs, and a mindfulness exercise for all. At the Auburndale Park you will hear from special guest Julia Horinek a citizen of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma. Her activism work includes, but are not limited to, Indigenous Rights of Nature and Front-Line Oil and Gas summits. As well as from Members of the CRWA Team about local efforts to undam the Charles River and their recent “Cut the Crap Campaign”. Dr. Darlene Flores will share about the sacred Taíno traditions of canoes and about Indigenous Peoples Newton’s 5th Ceremonial Celebration. We will hear reflections from Melissa Harding Ferretti- Chairwomen from Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe/ Select Board Member/vie Chairwomen for the Town of Bourne and her efforts dealing with the Sand Mining and Silica in Plymouth and other local Native American Culture bearers. In order to attend, all participants must watch a brief safety video and sign TWO electronic waivers here and here WAIVER CRWS
This event is rain or shine. It will only need to be rescheduled in the event of thunderstorms. This stretch of the Charles has very calm waters. Canoes will be provided with life jackets, unless you have your own. Lifejackets are required for all participants. Under 16 requires adult supervision at all times. All skill levels are welcome. Experienced paddlers will be in each vessel. Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet and wear sunscreen. This experience will last about 4 hours. THERE WILL BE NO SWIMMING in the river. Event is free for all Native American participants USE PROMO CODE “NATIVE”
For non-Native participants, we suggest a $100 donation for adults and a $50 donation for youth under 16. Tickets are NONREFUNDABLE.There is also a pay what you can option ($50 minimum) for the adult tickets. Enter promo code “PWYC” at the top of the “Select tickets” page and on the “Add an optional donation” page, enter any additional amount you are able to pay.
Space is limited so sign up today!
