In the midst of winter, we thought you all might enjoy a reminder of summer—sunlight, warmth, and paddling on the river!
In 2023, a group of paddlers made a more than 1,800 mile long canoe journey circumnavigating Northeastern Turtle Island. They began the journey from Penobscot Nation, returning there after nearly four months of following ancient Indigenous routes. The paddlers who completed the entire route were Ryan Ranco (Penobscot), Neil Benedict (Oneida), and Freddie Wilkinson. They were joined my many others along the way for sections of the journey. The paddlers were enthusiastically greeted by the many Indigenous Nations communities who they visited along the way.
When the paddlers returned, Sunlight Media Collective went to Penobscot Nation to greet them and ask them about their experiences. Here is a short video showing their thoughts about the journey, right after they landed!
To learn more about the Great Canoe Loop and the people, places, and routes which made up this incredible journey, check out these two TV episodes about it. The following episodes of “Windows to the Wild” which focus on the Great Canoe Loop aired on New Hampshire PBS in November of 2024 and are now available for free online.
Paddle Through History part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99y86BeE8os
Paddle Through History part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I138-9d7JpA
