Newton Paddling For Indigenous People

NEWTON, MA — The Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle is returning for its third straight year on Saturday, June 28.

The event, put together by the Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton, is meant to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. People are invited to canoe across the Chares River, which was once known as the Quinobequin. Boaters will depart from the Newton: Historic Boathouse, pas Norumbega Park, go around Fox Island, and then end at Auburndale Cove.

Before the boating begins, participants will hear from many local people with connections to Indigenous history. Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island citizen Hiawatha Brown will be the keynote guest and will begin the event with a special ceremony. Other guests slated to speak and lead proceedings include Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe member Steve Peters and Ponca Nation of Oklahoma citizen Julia Horinek.

The Taíno people carved canoes from single logs and used them to transport themselves and goods on the river.

Interested people can register online. All proceeds raised will go toward funding Newton’s Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration on Monday, Oct. 13. The event is free for Native individuals.