Odeyak facts for kids
The Odeyak is a unique boat that's a mix of a canoe and a kayak. It was designed and built by Billie Weetaltuk in 1990. The name "Odeyak" is a special word made by combining two others: "ode," which is the Cree word for "canoe," and "kayak," an Inuktitut word. This amazing boat played a big part in a protest to protect the environment.
Contents
The Odeyak: A Boat with a Message
Why Was the Odeyak Built?
The Odeyak was created for a very important reason. In 1990, a group of Inuit and Cree people used it to protest a big construction plan. This plan was called the Great Whale Hydroelectric Project. It was a large project by Hydro-Québec that would build dams on the Great Whale River. Many people were worried about how this would affect the land and the animals.
The Journey for Change
In the spring of 1990, the Odeyak began an incredible journey. A team of Inuit and Cree paddlers started from Whapmagoostui, Quebec. They paddled all the way to New York City. They arrived on April 22, 1990, which was Earth Day. Earth Day is a special day when people celebrate and learn about protecting our planet.
At the Earth Day celebration, an important leader spoke. Matthew Coon Come was the Grand Chief and chairman of Quebec's Grand Council of the Crees. He spoke for the Cree and Inuit people from the James Bay area. He shared their concerns about the hydroelectric project.
A Symbol of Unity
The Odeyak's special design showed how two groups of people worked together. The communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuarapik are neighbors. Whapmagoostui is a Cree community, and Kuujjuarapik is an Inuit community. Both are located at the mouth of the Great Whale River. The Odeyak's hybrid design represented the strong cooperation between these two communities. They stood together against the proposed development.
The Odeyak is much larger than a regular canoe or kayak. It is about 8 m (26 ft) long. This size helped it carry a large crew. It also made the boat easier to see, which was important for its long journey.
Where is the Odeyak Now?
Today, the Odeyak is kept safe at the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute. This institute is in Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec. The boat was moved there in 2011. Before that, it was at the Canadian Canoe Museum.
