A powerful show of unity and resistance took to the waters of the Sydenham River on Sunday as members of Walpole Island First Nation and local allies participated in Paddle for ᓂᐱ – Nibi, a ceremonial canoe relay led by 27-year-old Chloe White-Deleary.
Paddlers travelled from Dresden to Wallaceburg, combining sacred ceremony with peaceful protest against environmental threats facing the region—including a proposed landfill and recycling facility near Dresden.
The event was organized in response to York1 Environmental Waste Solutions’ plan to build an eight-hectare landfill and large-scale recycling operation. Opponents say the development, which could accept thousands of tonnes of construction debris and unprocessed soil each day, poses a serious risk to nearby waterways including Molly’s Creek and the Sydenham River—critical sources of life and culture for Walpole Island and neighbouring communities.
The paddle also served as a call to action against Ontario’s Bill 5, which rolled back requirements for environmental assessments on industrial projects like the Dresden landfill. Organizers say the bill undermines treaty rights and ignores Indigenous sovereignty.
Concerns were also raised over federal legislation, including Bill C-5 and the proposed Bill C-61.
Walpole Island Chief Leela Thomas, a vocal opponent of the landfill proposal, has said the project illustrates how Indigenous concerns are often overlooked in the name of economic development.
Participants launched from Dresden’s boat launch early Sunday, paddling in three-kilometre intervals. Safety boats accompanied the group along the route, with each stroke serving as both a protest and a prayer.
Land volunteer Dawne Mudford documented the journey, sharing photos and videos from the event with Sydenham Current.
