Haldimand County returns to Two Row on the Grand Paddle
Haldimand County is proud to participate in the Two Row on the Grand Paddle again this year, supporting an important opportunity for relationship-building, cultural learning, and connection along the Grand River.
The Two Row on the Grand Paddle commemorates the Two Row Wampum Treaty, a more than 400-year-old agreement that represents peaceful coexistence, friendship, mutual respect, and non-interference. The annual paddle travels along the Grand River from Cambridge to Port Maitland, with several stops through Haldimand County, including Six Nations, Caledonia, Cayuga, and Dunnville.
For the second year, Haldimand County will support participation from staff and elected officials, with two County representatives joining the paddle each day from July 20 to July 24. This opportunity allows participants to experience the journey firsthand, engage in meaningful conversations and further strengthen relationships with Indigenous neighbours and community partners.
The following Council members and staff will participate in the paddle throughout the week:
Monday, July 20
- Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley
- Ward 3 Councillor Dan Lawrence
Tuesday, July 21
- Ward 4 Councillor Brad Adams
- Jaymie Nelson, Project Manager of Business Retention & Expansion
Wednesday, July 22
- Ward 2 Councillor John Metcalfe
- CAO Michael DiLullo
Thursday, July 23
- Shannon VanDalen, Manager of Planning & Development
- Krystina Wheatley, Supervisor of Development Engineering & GIS
Friday, July 24
- Ward 1 Councillor Debera McKeen
- Alycia Birdsell, Supervisor of Employee Wellness & Development
This year, Two Row on the Grand also invited Haldimand County to host one of several engagement sessions offered as part of the paddle programming. Designed to foster connection, reflection, and learning, these sessions bring paddlers together through shared activities and presentations. As part of Haldimand County’s session, artist Gina Wilson-McIntee will speak about her journey as an artist, her connection to the Grand River, and her work with the Paddle Art Tour Haldimand and Paddles of the Grand.
The session will also include an interactive art component, where paddlers will be invited to add their fingerprint to a wooden paddle. The paint colours selected for the paddle include purple and white to represent the Two Row Wampum Treaty, along with shades of blue to represent the ever-changing water of the Grand River. Once complete, the paddle will serve as a lasting reminder of relationships, learning, and connections fostered through the experience.
Heritage Haldimand will also contribute to the paddle’s engagement programming, welcoming Two Row on the Grand paddlers on Tuesday, July 21, and providing a well-deserved snack with sustainability in mind.
New this year, Six Nations Tourism, Two Row on the Grand, and Water Cycles Expeditions are co-creating Two Row by the Grand, a cycling pilot that will complement the existing paddling journey. Travelling the length of the Grand River, the tour is designed to bring cyclists and paddlers together through shared camping, meals, and cultural teachings. The pilot includes participants from Six Nations and the University of Waterloo, creating opportunities for connection, cultural exchange, and shared learning along the Grand River. To learn more about Two Row by the Grand, visit the Six Nations Tourism website.
The Two Row on the Grand Paddle was first organized in 2015 by volunteers from Six Nations of the Grand River and surrounding communities
Through shared experience on the Grand River, Two Row on the Grand continues to foster reconciliation, learning, and relationship-building while creating opportunities for communities to connect in meaningful ways.
Learn more about the event at tourismhaldimand.ca/TwoRowPaddle or visit www.tworowonthegrand.com.
Quotes
“Two vessels, rowing down the same river, sharing in the river equally, but never attempting to interfere with the other vessel’s path.”
— Ellie Joseph
Co-Founder, Two Row on the Grand
“Two Row on the Grand is a meaningful opportunity to come together in the spirit of learning, respect, and relationship-building. Haldimand County is grateful to participate again this year and to continue strengthening our connections with Indigenous neighbours and partners along the Grand River.”
— Shelley Ann Bentley
Mayor of Haldimand County
“We are pleased to support this year’s paddle and look forward to hosting an engagement session that brings together art, storytelling, and connection to the Grand River. This continues to be a meaningful opportunity for relationship building while also recognizing the cultural and natural significance of the river that connects us.”
— Lidy Romanuk
Manager of Economic Development and Tourism
