With support from Sport Nova Scotia’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Sport Fund, Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC), the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM), the Eskasoni sports and recreation department, and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq teamed up to deliver four satellite try-it sessions to Indigenous youth. Throughout the summer of 2022, The Ji’memkewey (to Paddle) Project introduced 150 participants to canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The ADCKC provided boats, facilitation, and instruction with the goal of increasing participation and long-term athlete development in paddling programs. The coordinators marketed upcoming sessions via social media, utilized local facilities, and partnered with Indigenous organizations in various locations to make sure The Ji’memkewey Project was a success. All of the programs were open to on-reserve and off-reserve community members between the ages of 12 and 18.
“The ADCKC Indigenous programming provides new athletes with the opportunity to strive in the sport of canoe kayak. It offers athletes of many different socioeconomic barriers and physical limitations to try a sport that was historically enjoyed by only a fortunate few. ADCKC has facilitated hundreds of coaching hours for those faced with a variety of barriers to entry. We aim to provide thousands more and develop a new generation of athletes in canoe kayak,” said ADCKC Executive Director, Robin Thomson.
Historically, the canoe holds significant importance in Indigenous culture. While the main focus last summer was getting people in boats and securing funding, UNSM Wellness Support Coordinator, Ayden Pierro says next year, they hope to expand the programming to incorporate an educational component to the sessions that would include a water ceremony, smudging, and teachings about how the canoe was traditionally made and utilized.
“In the future, we would love to see more Indigenous athletes competing at all levels of this sport, and taking part in the recreational side. With NAIG approaching, there is an opportunity to showcase the athletes and give them an opportunity to compete” said Pierro.
The The Ji’memkewey Project was made possible with the assistance of Sport Nova Scotia’s Sport Fund-EDI grant. For more information about how Sport Nova Scotia can help support your community sport initiative, check out our Sport Fund eligibility page.
