The 5th Canadian Heritage River Conference	Posted May 2007

Time is running out to register for Current Perspectives, the 5^th Canadian Heritage Rivers conference!

The second full week in June will be a busy one for river people in 2007. Not only are you celebrating Canadian Rivers Day and Rivers to Oceans Week, but you likely will also be heading to Winnipeg to ‘Discover a Current Perspective on rivers, tourism and river management’ at the 5^th Canadian River Heritage Conference. This four-day event brings you face-to-face with experts on river issues from around the globe and the latest information on how communities are implementing environmentally sustainable management practices.

 The Fifth Canadian River Heritage Conference in Winnipeg promises to be a landmark event in the conservation of Canada’s river heritage. If you're a land manager with responsibilities for rivers, an academic seeking insight into river issues, a river-oriented grass roots, conservation or tourism leader looking for new solutions, or simply someone who cares about rivers, this conference is a unique opportunity to learn, to be inspired and to see tangible evidence that we can make a difference. What more could anyone ask for.

Keynote speakers include environmental activist Justin Trudeau, and author Peter C. Newman. Other highlights include the biggest celebration of the fur trade since 1821 including an outdoor feast and concert, on the banks of the Red Rivers, and the celebration of the Red River’s designation as a Canadian Heritage River.

For more information and to submit an abstract, visit: www.riverswest.ca

2008 Canadian Heritage Rivers Calendar	Posted May 2007

This collection of images from across Canada illustrates the beauty and diversity of Canada's heritage rivers. These majestic rivers promote an understanding of our natural history and environment helping to ensure they flow into the future for generations to come.

Bilingual format.

Cost: $16.99

Ordering information:
Canadian Heritage Rivers Calendar
1968 Haig Drive
Ottawa, ON  K1G 2K1
(please add 6% GST and $4.00 shipping and handling)

www.paddlingcanada.com

The Hillsborough River School of Art	Posted May 2007

This school is a new not-for-profit project of Island artist and author Suzanne O'Callaghan. The inaugural year of the school includes lessons in drawing and painting along the Hillsborough River in an ecologically and environmentally respectful and classically-inspired approach to art. Students work en plein air, creating in the presence of one of North America's most important tidal rivers and part of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. The Hillsborough River is alive with beauty: pastoral, woodland and water scapes, extensive salt marshes and thousands of species of wildlife, including the Great Blue Heron. Based out of the artist's studio gallery in Mount Stewart – the largest settled bog in North America - instructors include respected artist Karl MacKeeman, ANSCAD. Beginner to advanced artists welcome. For info: 676-2091 or ocallaghan@pei.sympatico.ca.

Canoeist to Continue 8,000 Kilometre Journey Across Canada	Posted May 2007

On or around May 20th, as soon as the ice leaves the lakes of Northern Saskatchewan, Jay Morrison will dip his paddle into Lac Laloche, carry over the historic twenty kilometre Methye Portageinto the Arctic watershed and continue a trip he began last summer to voyage by canoe from the Atlantic the Arctic Ocean, following the traditional routes of the Native people and European explorers.

In the summer of 2006 Jay paddled his homemade canoe over 3,000 kilometres from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Lake Winnipeg. He plans to finish in Inuvik this September.

Thousands of people followed Jay’s voyage through his online journal at www.cpaws.org/canoe. Jay aims to promote awareness of the need to conserve Canada’s threatened wilderness and the work of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS.

To learn more about The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society go to: www.cpaws.org
For media inquiries about Jay’s trip call: (613) 731-0336

Water activist and environmental educator Seth Wotten resumes his epic cross continental canoeing adventure	Posted May 2007

Seth Wotten will leave Kenora, Ontario to resume the Water for Future Generations Expedition. This is a cross continental solo canoe journey to raise awareness about water related environmental issues and inspire people to take action to protect our water resources. Wotten is canoeing from Montreal, Quebec to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories over the course of 2006, 2007, and 2008. During his travels, he has been suggesting ways to take action for our water, promoting environmental campaigns, and making observations about the waterways.

For more info, visit: www.wffg.ca

The Song the River Sings	Posted January 2005

By James Gordon

Canoesongs, Volumes I & II are among the finest compilations of folk music produced in Canada, featuring songs by men and women, in French and English--reworks of classic voyageur tunes and campfire songs as well as chestnuts from established artists and new material from lesser-known voices – all inspired by or written in response to canoes. Check them out!

To order online click here.

UR-Energy’s proposal rejection	Posted May 2007

Good news!

The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board has recommended outright rejection of UR-Energy’s proposal to proceed with drilling in the upper Thelon valley. The reason cited is “adverse cultural impacts of a cumulative nature to areas of very high spiritual importance to Aboriginal peoples.” The full report (see http://www.mveirb.nt.ca) also makes reference to the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed development. This is certainly a victory for the people of Lutsel K’e, who have made it very clear that they want NO exploration whatsoever, for any mineral, on their traditional lands in the Thelon valley.

The Board has made this very clear recommendation to the Minister of INAC, Jim Prentice. He must accept or overturn their recommendation.

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