McMaster University brings ‘Two Row on The Grand’

An annual reconciliation journey along the Grand River will be entering the classroom at McMaster University.

“Two Row on The Grand” is a 10-day paddle trip, where many embark on an experience of cultural bonding and land-based teachings.

On day nine, 100 people journeyed and camped along the shores of the Grand River, it was a learning experience through a First Nations lens about each other and the lay of the land.

“It’s really a healing experience, it’s a way that helps change the view of the world for the better,” said one attendee.

The connecting trip is called Two Row on The Grand, a 10-day, 150 kilometre expedition, starting in Cambridge all the way to Port Maitland, with numerous camp stops off of the Grand River.

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Today, the groups final campground is at Byng Island in Dunville – where they continue to bond and learn through the reenactment of the Two Row Wampum treaty, a 400-year-old peace agreement between Indigenous people and settles in the region.

“It’s become a truth and reconciliation program for many, it’s also a recreational program but what we find is that it all comes down to that peace, friendship and respect,” said the co-founder of the event, Ellie Joseph. 

Joseph says she co-founded the initiative eight years ago when she attended a commemoration ceremony. Carrying a Wampum belt as a treaty symbol. She says she aims to bring a sense of enlightenment.

“What I enjoy is our when our Haudenosaunee participate, they are proud of their history and it gives them hope, lifts their chins instead of tiptoeing,” she said. 

Organizers say the bonding and the teachings throughout this journey along the Grand River is becoming a post-secondary credit at McMaster University. 

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McMaster University professor of Indigenous studies Bonnie Freeman says the six-week course will launch the next summer semester, and will include the 10-day trip. McMaster and the University of Waterloo will carry the elective and hope to develop the program further.

“Reconciliation isn’t just something a student can check off an agenda box, it’s really about getting out here and building relationships,” said Freeman.

Freeman says the group embark to their final destination Friday and the credit will begin next June.