The Canadian Canoe Museum is proud to be one of the first tourism organizations to sign the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge (pronounced Oh-da-pee-tah-na-mawn), a new way for anyone who loves Peterborough & the Kawarthas to become a steward of the land, waterways & cultures that make it such a special place & help ensure it stays that way.
Created in consultation with Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation and drawing on the traditional teachings of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is about respect: respect for the land, for each other, and for those who will come after us.
As stewards of the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft, The Canadian Canoe Museum believes it is important to foster and uphold respect for both the beautiful lands and waters we enjoy as paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts and the Indigenous people and cultures that designed, built and used the first canoes and kayaks and who continue to be innovators of these watercraft.
“O’de Piitaanemaan” is the Ojibway word for “respect,” and comes from the teaching “mnaadendamowin”—to give respect to all creation. The people of Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation believe that because everything is connected, everyone must do their part. We encourage you to join us in taking the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge at www.thekawarthas.ca/pledge and sharing it with your family and friends on social media using the hashtag #OdePiitaanemaanPledge. The goal is to have 500+ pledges by the end of 2021!
The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is as follows:
- I pledge to be light on the land and wise on the water
- I’ll explore my surroundings with an open heart, ask for help when I need it, and be kind to strangers
- Before starting my day, I’ll gear up, make a game plan, and get wind of the weather
- I’ll remember my miigwech’s, thank-you’s, and merci’s
- With every new season, I’ll seek fresh experiences and flavours, trails, and friends
- I’ll place safety before sport when pedalling, paddling, parking, or power boating
- Be it bison, baked goods, or a crafty brew, I’ll buy local where I can
- I’ll greet new cultures and traditional teachings with curiosity, kindness, and compassion
- After feeding my soul with authentic adventures, I’ll take fond memories with me and leave nothing but footprints behind
The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is another step toward Peterborough & the Kawarthas’ efforts to increase the livability of the region and foster meaningful partnerships with Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation, via a Friendship Accord, Future Ready Regional Economic Development Plan, and forthcoming Destination Development Strategy & Action Plan.
To learn more about the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge, please visit www.thekawarthas.ca/pledge
