Some of the Friends of the La Vase Portages bring Samuel de Champlain and Étienne Brulé to shore. North Bay Councillor Chris Mayne paddles at the stern.
A re-enactment took place at Champlain Park in North Bay Sunday to mark 400 years since Samuel de Champlain explored and documented the area.
Even though it was expected, seeing the voyageur canoe come round the bend on La Vase River and land right at the mouth of Lake Nipissing, felt like I witnessed a step back in time. Samuel de Champlain and Étienne Brulé then stepped out of the boat to look out over the water of Lake Nipissing.
Many people waiting at the corner of La Vase River and Lake Nipissing to catch the historic moment where wearing green and white, the colours of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
Denys Tremblay played Étienne Brulé and Richard Marleau portrayed Samuel de Champlain.
Samuel de Champlain, portrayed by Richard Marleau, led the procession to the microphone to act as master of ceremonies to the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s arrival to our region. “It’s significant to be in the exact same spot today as 400 years ago. It’s an honour to play Champlain and alot of fun.”
Metis grandfather Michel Perron is on the organizing committee. “The francophone culture is still vibrant here and in the province so 400 years is worth celebrating.”
Elder Evelyn McLeod of Nipissing First Nation explains the traditional blessing she gave for the day spoken in Ojibway. “I blessed today’s event and the people that came onto the shore of Lake Nipissing. I gave thanks for the invite. I said thank you to the grandmothers and the grandfathers – our ancestors. I gave thanks for the pouch of tobacco that was offered as a gift to come give a prayer in Ojibway. I offered it to the four directions.”
Chief Marianna Couchie
Chief Marianna Couchie took to the microphone for the last time as Chief of Nipissing First Nation. “We have archeological evidence that dates back to 10,000 B.C. The Nbissing didn’t go anywhere. Our culture is strong and it’s reviving.”
Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin called Canada the envy of the world. “Long live Canada, vivre Canada.”
After Samuel de Champlain and Étienne Brulé left the stage, Aspin made a funding announcement.
$40-thousand dollars has been awarded through FedNor to a local community cultural event, Astorville en Fête! The boost will help Astorville celebrate their festival the weekend of September 25th to the 27th. On Friday, Sept.25th, 400 years of francophone history will be celebrated at École St.Thomas D’aquin. The East Ferris Gala on Saturday will serve French Canadian gourmet dinner at the Astorville en Fête!
The main organizers of Sunday's event were the French Catholic School Board or Conseil Scolaire Catholique Franco-Nord and Conseil scolaire public de district du Nord-Est de l'Ontario. Many volunteers from Le Centre culturel Les Compagnons served up ginger ale and cake. Mayor Al McDonald was part of the planning committee. Caisse Populaire was a sponsor of the day, providing kerchiefs for head coverings for sun protection.
