CKC Sprint Nationals COVID-19 Update

The following message is directly from Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) regarding the status of the 2020 CKC Sprint Nationals:

MAY 22, 2020 – OTTAWA, ON – Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) and the Rideau Canoe Club regretfully announce the cancellation of the 2020 CKC Sprint National Championships, which was scheduled to take place from August 25 to 30, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario, and included the Canadian Masters Championship (CANMAS).

Ultimately, the prioritizing of the health and well-being of our paddling community, and the necessary restrictions in place to address this global pandemic make it unadvisable and practical to stage this event in 2020.

“The Rideau Canoe Club was honoured and very proud to have the privilege of hosting the 2020 Canoe Kayak Canada Sprint Nationals during an Olympic year – particularly when so many of Canada’s elite athletes were ready for an amazing event,” said James Price, Commodore of the Rideau Canoe Club. “We are incredibly disappointed that we will not be hosting Canada’s sprint paddling community in August and do hope that we will have the opportunity to welcome you to Ottawa again very soon.”

CKC recognizes the significant disruptions and disappointment related to the ongoing event cancellations and public restrictions yet continues to support these measures and is proud to see our paddling community do its part as leaders in following all directives to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“It is certainly tough to know this will be the first summer without a CKC Sprint National Championship since 1945,” said Ian Mortimer, CKC’s Director of Development. “This event is the cornerstone of many of our sprint paddlers lives, and the event will be dearly missed in 2020. I remember being that young athlete working everyday towards the goal of a National medal, and I can certainly appreciate how difficult this news will be for everyone. We will begin the planning immediately for the return of this pinnacle event in 2021.”

CKC continues to urge the paddling community to respect the Government of Canada’s direction and regulations of all public health authorities and governments at every level.

We continue to monitor the changing landscape related to COVID-19 and the impact on the well-being of our paddling community.

CKC is also actively planning and working through all of the contingencies for modified in-person or virtual events which may be possible later in 2020 as well as the impacts of COVID-19 related cancellations on our major events in the years ahead.

CKC will be providing further information related to events in the coming weeks, and encourages you to reference our COVID-19 Resource Page for updates.

Indigenous Canoe Recognition

Indigenous Canoe Recognition

DARTMOUTH — New signage at Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (ADCKC) clubs are an important step in better recognizing the indigenous history of the canoe in this region.

Andrew Russell (Executive Director, ADCKC) said ADCKC has been working closely with indigenous sport and cultural leaders to build stronger partnerships and also find ways to better recognize the indigenous history of the canoe in this region. 

“We are excited to really build this partnership and highlight the important history and origins of the sport,” said Russell. 

After much consultation and many meaningful conversations, two steps have been made in terms of physical recognition in our clubs, club plaques and club signage updates.

Plaques (2 by 3 feet in size) have been developed to be displayed prominently in each of our ADCKC clubs. These plaques are important visual recognition pieces that touch on the history of paddling in this region, birchbark canoe making, Mi’kmaq paddling routes and mapping, and the cultural significance of the canoe.

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This plaque will be displayed prominently in each of the ADCKC clubs.

“They also speak to the development of racing in this region, notably on Lake Banook, and reminds all of us of the importance of ensuring opportunities for indigenous youth,” said ADCKC Flag Officer Barry Ring.

Also, some of our clubs will be updating their signage to reflect the Mi’kmaq origins of their club names. Spellings and translations were done in partnership with Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey and other key leaders that were consulted during the process.

Senobe Aquatic Club updated signage to reflect the Mi’kmaq origins of the club name.

“We are looking forward to continuing to grow the strong partnership between ADCKC and the indigenous population in Atlantic Canada,” said Barry Ring. “I want to extend Special thanks to Levi Denny, Blaire Gould, Tex Marshall, Beverley Jeddore and all others who supported in the process and provided their expertise.”