Ithaca Canoe Fest

Thirty Dyson students have been working in teams of five to coordinate all aspects of this inaugural event, which will feature indigenous boatbuilding and wayfinding demonstrations, open paddling on Cayuga Lake, and friendly dragon boat racing. We invite everyone to explore the history and magic of human-powered outdoor recreation. Additionally, we will have indigenous foods and crafts for sale, origami paper canoe lessons for kids, and performances of traditional Haudenosaunee Social Dances.

The event will kick off at 10AM with a Welcome Ceremony given by Sachem Sam George (Cayuga Nations, Bear Clan), and then an open paddling session with Hickory Edwards, Haudenosaunee Canoe Journey. Around Noon, Dyson students will gift the canoe they built this semester to Hickory Edwards, followed by a traditional Chinese Eye Dotting Ceremony ("Awakening the Dragons") and colorful performance by Cornell Lion Dance Club to bless the event, the paddlers, and the boats.

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