UpNorthica

To the sounds of traditional dances and the firing of musket and cannon salutes, the Canoe the Heart Expedition has come to a close at Historic Fort William in Thunder Bay.

Its crew of Canadian and American park officials, forestry staffers and avid paddlers alike, pulled into port and was greeted by guests in costumes from 1815; a fitting finale to their weeks-long journey in a large, voyageur-style canoe.

The event had its moments of gift-giving — albeit with commemorative cups, vs. furs or tobacco — but in addition to toasting cooperated efforts in the past, there seems an optimistic tone that looks ahead to the future. As climate change especially presents new and unfamiliar challenges for the border region, many are expressing a greater desire to work together in sharing information and resources. Ann Schwaller is a SNF officer who joined the crew for several days:

“The trip went above and beyond my expectations and it was just an amazing experience to be surrounded by a group of paddlers all working on behalf of the same beautiful landscape from both sides of the border.”

Many, like Schwaller, are hoping that this represents a beginning of greater cooperation. That would include UpNorthica. After having attended their stopoff in Ely, we’re glad that Heart of the Continent (who organized the expedition) is on our radar. We’ll be watching to see what great things will happen. Salut!