An Unforgettable Day of Connection on the Tenàgàdino Zibi/ Gatineau River

We began in ceremony with the magnificent Tenàgàdino Zibi, honouring her spirit. In that moment, we were reminded of the deep ties between people and water — and of our shared responsibility to care for her.

From there, we experienced her beauty and power up close: first in awe along her shores, then in exhilaration as we paddled through her rapids and waterfalls.

The day flowed into celebration — a joyful gathering of feast, song, dance, and community — bringing together river lovers from near and far. Days like this remind us that when we come together — across communities, across cultures, and across generations — the river connects us all.

We are deeply grateful to have shared this journey with the Land and Water Guardians and Natural Resources team from Kitigan Zibi, Friends of the Gatineau River / Amis de la rivière Gatineau, Coop Matawin Adventures, the organizers, and all the paddlers who joined the Festival de l’Eau Vive de la Haute-Gatineau. A special thank you as well to STO Union and FOG for their generous support.

And to everyone who signed the Declaration for the Rights of the River. — thank you for standing with us and with the Tenàgàdino Zibi