Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton to Host Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle (PRESS RELEASE)
JUNE 20, 2023: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON, MA––Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Newton are co-hosting the second annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle on Saturday, June 29, 2024, on the Auburndale section of the Charles River.
The paddle will start at Newton’s Historic Boathouse, pass Norumbega Park, loop around Fox Island, and end with a box lunch at Auburndale Cove prepared by celebrity chef Sherry Pocknett, the first Indigenous (Mashpee Wampanoag) woman to win a James Beard award.
During the paddle, special guest Danielle Frank, Hoopa Tribal Member and Yurok descendant, will share the successes of the Hoopa and Yurok tribes in undamming the Klamath River in California, and the subsequent return of the salmon. Newton resident Dr. Darlene Flores, a traditional Medicine Keeper for her Taíno Higuayagua Caribbean Tribe, will share the sacred Taíno traditions of canoes. Paddlers will hear reflections from Eleanor “Toodie” Coombs from the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project, and other local Native culture bearers. Representatives from CRWA will discuss local efforts to undam the Charles River.
Before European colonization, the Charles River flowed without interruption, and Indigenous communities relied on its migratory fish population for food, ecosystem benefits, and cultural survival. Nipmuc ancestors residing in Natick actively petitioned the state legislature in opposition to the Watertown Dam, as it infringed on Indigenous rights to food sovereignty, stripping the community of vital resources, cultural ways of life, and free-flowing water.
“Undamming rivers as a way to restore fish passage and Indigenous foodways is a concrete step forward in the process of healing past wrongs,” says Hartman Deetz, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.
All skill levels are welcome, and experienced paddlers will be in each vessel. This event is free for all Native participants. For non-Native participants, we suggest a $100 donation for adults and a $25 donation for youth under 16. There is also a pay-as-you-can option; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. This event is supported by a Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) grant and a partnership with Paddle Boston. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to make a donation - all proceeds will support IPD Newton’s 2024 Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration.
WHAT: Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle
WHEN: Saturday, June 29th, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event is rain or shine.
WHERE: Newton’s Historic Boathouse, 2401 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA 02466
CONTACT:
Carly Sherman, Communications Associate
csherman@crwa.org
617-540-5650 X1074
