A traditional birch bark canoe has officially sailed its maiden voyage along the Nechako River.
UNBC students, Le Cercle des Canadiens Francais de Prince George (CCFPG), and the Two Rivers Gallery have christened the boat entitled The Indian Act 2017, but it also sends a message.
“The name comes directly from the Constitution of Canada,” says Instructor Marcel Labelle, who explains the goal is to create conversations about equality rights amongst students, residents, and politicians alike.
Labelle officially launches #CCFPG/@UNBC built canoe into the #NechakoRiver; blesses boat over traditional song | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/GIGEeVqEUt
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 5, 2017
“The year 2017 is to illustrate that it is still in our Constitution and this is the year that we should start talking about that. The act is very racist for not just First Nations, but for all Canadians.”
The Ontario native and expert canoe builder adds, as a result of this point-of-view, not everyone choose to acknowledge their own nation, especially in First Nations communities.
“Myself, I am Algonquin French-Canadian speaking Metis. I chose to celebrate Canada because Canada is my home and it’s a beautiful country, but can it be better? Of course it can be better.”
.@UNBC welcomed Marcel Labelle (2nd right) to teach students the construction of the canoe; came from #Ontario | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/voPP3N4UaO
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 5, 2017
Labelle says the canoe acts as a symbol emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.
“If you look at the construction of the canoe itself, to the average person it looks complete, but as a builder, I know where we can improve. So, it’s a very good canoe, it paddles beautifully, but can it improve? Yes, it can improve. Can Canada improve? Yes, we can improve.”
As part of Canada 150 celebrations, the project’s funding is in partnership with the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage.
Most of the students who participated in The Indian Act 2017’s construction are of Metis background.
#CCFPG launching canoe built by @UNBC students & @tworiversart at Cottonwood Island Park; part of #Canada150 project | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/P6sYvNSZK4
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) July 5, 2017