10 years of Two Row: Haldimand staff and councillors take to the Grand River

Haldimand County was proud to take part in the 10th anniversary of the Two Row on the Grand Paddle, a powerful symbol of reconciliation, mutual respect, and partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

The Two Row on the Grand Paddle commemorates the more than 400-year-old Two Row Wampum Treaty, which represents a commitment to peaceful coexistence, friendship, and respect. This 10-day journey along the Grand River, from Cambridge to Port Maitland, includes several stops through Haldimand County from Six Nations to Dunnville.

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the Two Row on the Grand committee graciously assisted Haldimand County staff in organizing an opportunity for elected officials and staff to participate in the paddle. This involvement underscores Haldimand County’s continued dedication to strengthening relationships with our Indigenous neighbours.

Haldimand County took part in five days of the row, from July 21 to July 25, with two representatives joining each day. Each day offered opportunities for engagement, cultural exchange, and meaningful conversations with participants along the Grand River.

About Two Row on the Grand 

The event began in 2015, organized by volunteers from Six Nations of the Grand River and surrounding communities. It was inspired by the Two Row Wampum Treaty (Guswenta), a historic agreement made in 1613 between the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) and Dutch settlers. The treaty was symbolized by a wampum belt with two parallel rows of purple beads on a white background.

These rows represent two vessels travelling down the same river:

• One row for the Haudenosaunee canoe,
• One row for the European ship.

The vessels travel side by side, never interfering with each other, symbolizing mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s governance and way of life.

The paddle was created as a living embodiment of this treaty, bringing people together to reflect on its relevance today and to foster reconciliation through shared experience.

Haldimand County participants

Monday, July 21

• Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley
• Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism

Tuesday, July 22

• Ward 4 Councillor Brad Adams
• Lynda Berry, Weigh Scale Attendant

Wednesday, July 23

• Mike Evers, General Manager of Community & Development Services
• Melissia Lloyd, Property Coordinator

Thursday, July 24

• Ward 1 Councillor Debera McKeen
• Megan Jamieson, General Manager of Corporate Services

Friday, July 25

• Scott Luey, General Manager of Community, Safety & Wellness
• Breanna Brown, Senior Economic Development Officer