The Trans Canada Trail now officially open

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When Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray proudly announced that the Trans Canada Trail was now officially open, the crowd assembled at Jacques Cartier Park in Hull, Que. cheered and applauded the completion of one of the most monumental projects ever undertaken, the Trans Canada Trail Relay 2000.

The concluding ceremony on Sept. 9 saw the water from the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans that had been carried cross-country by 5,000 official carriers symbolically poured into the newly built Trans Canada Trail Fountain.

Although the Trans Canada Trail is only about 52 per cent completed, this "official opening" was more of a beginning than the end of building the world's longest recreational trail. What has been accomplished to date is "more than just a path on the ground," said John Bellini, the trail's executive director. With more than 16,800 kilometres through some of this country's most stunning landscapes, the Trans Canada Trail is ready for the world to see and enjoy.

The Trans Canada Trail is a shared-use recreation corridor winding its way through every province and territory. It is the longest trail of its kind in the world connecting major urban centres and thousands of smaller communities from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and into the Northwest Territory, Yukon and Nunavut.

The early European fur traders valued the Native peoples of this land for their contributions to the fur trade. The Natives' trails later became major travel routes from Hudson's Bay to the Rocky Mountains. In a sense, these Natives were the original builders of the Trans Canada Trail.

The celebration began with words from three noted dignitaries of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Elder William Commonda, (just returning from addressing the United Nations in New York) spoke in both Anishinabe and English. Commonda stressed that everyone must respect one another and work together toward a common goal.

Gray described Commonda's opening address as, "Very moving. Very inspiring." Gray added, "A spiritual message was the most appropriate to start with."

Pauline Decontie, also of Kitigan Zibi, welcomed all visitors to traditional Anishinabeg territory. Decontie said both the environment and the Anishinabeg language must be protected.

"It's good that the Anishinabeg have this rare opportunity to speak at an event like this," said Decontie.

Gilbert Whiteduck presented the third address by the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.

Spectators said one of the highlights of the evening was the performance by the Kitigan Zibi drummers and dancers. Considering the lights, cameras and crowd, these young performers (Maggie House is five years old) looked calm, relaxed and poised. Their songs and dances showed the world their heritage.