AFN 2019 Meeting. St. Mary's First Nation

Here are some beautifully captured photos featuring birchbark canoes and Maliseet (Wolastoqey) paddles from the Opening Ceremony of the 2019 Assembly of First Nations Annual Assembly, held in Fredericton, New Brunswik. Full article and more at this link here. All photos credited to Logan Perley, a Wolastoqi journalist from Tobique First Nation

The first image below features National Chief Perry Bellegarde, New Brunswick regional Chief Roger Augustine and St. Mary's First Nation Chief Allan Polchies canoeing across the Wolastoq (St. John River). The classic, pointed willow-leaf blade design is visible in the bow.

Photo Credit: Logan Perley

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The three Chiefs apparently started in St. Mary's First Nation (Sitansisk) at the old powwow grounds and paddled across the waterway to the grounds of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. This photo showcases the sleek lines of traditional Maliseet canoes.

Photo Credit: Logan Perley

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The Chiefs were accompanied by the Brooks family who were involved with the repatriation of the Grandfather akwiten canoe, posted about earlier here and here.

Photo Credit: Logan Perley

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Photo below features the brooks family taking part in a water ceremony. Prominently included is a beautifully carved set of paddles.

Photo Credit: Logan Perley

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