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Waves: The ottawa riverkeeper newsletter

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Trillium Foundation Supports Riverkeeper

trillium logo

Ottawa Riverkeeper received $116,000 over 24 months to support our River Watch and Education Programs. River Watch is a network of citizens and stewardship groups who work cooperatively with Ottawa Riverkeeper to maintain and enhance the overall ecological integrity and health of the Ottawa River system. The River Watch program goes beyond having eyes and ears on the river around the watershed. It is a program that builds capacity and encourages individuals and groups to take action on their local river issues.

The new funding will allow Ottawa Riverkeeper to deliver new capacity building workshops to support our Riverwatchers and develop a new Junior Riverwatcher program. Today, we have twelve official River Watch groups as well as a group of pilots, paddlers and scuba divers who view the river from above, at the surface and below where most eyes don’t go!

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives funds from the government’s charity casino initiative. The foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation sectors. For more information, visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

AGM

Ottawa Riverkeeper Annual General Meeting
June 19, 2007 at 7:30PM

Do you have concerns or questions about the health of your river? Join us, meet the Riverkeeper, her staff and Board of Directors, and learn about Ottawa Riverkeeper’s 3-year strategic plan to protect and enhance the ecological health of our mighty river. The meeting will be held at Lakeside Gardens in Britannia Park. The meeting is open to all members as well as the general public. Fabulous door prizes to be given away.

If you are interested in being nominated for the Board of Directors, please contact Meredith Brown before May 25th.


Vision for Asinabka

At a special public presentation on May 22 (7-9PM), Grandfather William Commanda, 93 year old Algonquin Elder will share the vision for the healing of Indigenous Peoples, our collective relationship with Mother Earth, and with each other, at Asinabka (Victoria Island). World renowned Indigenous Architect, Douglas Cardinal, creator of the Museum of Civilization, will illustrate how the indigenous world view manifests in the comprehensive, all inclusive, transformative Asinabka vision of hope. The meeting is open to the public. For more details…

William Commanda will also share his vision before our celebration of Canadian Rivers Day. Join the flotilla (including at least 10 Voyageur canoes) from Victoria Island to Petrie Island on Sunday June 10. For more details…

Riverwatcher Wins Award

Joann

Joann McCann, Fort William Riverwatcher, received the Green Cottager Award for Outstanding Environmental Achievement. Ottawa Riverkeeper is proud to have Joann working on our team; she is making a difference in her community and on the river. Way to go Joann!

The Community Foundation of Ottawa Renews Support

For the third consecutive year, the Community Foundation of Ottawa will support our volunteer coordination efforts. The general public, municipalities and government agencies are turning to Ottawa Riverkeeper for leadership and action on river issues. Many people want to get involved in our organization and help bring attention to our globally significant river. Having a full-time volunteer coordinator allows Ottawa Riverkeeper to fully take advantage of the incredible community response to our mission.

Current volunteer opportunities …

Ottawa Riverkeeper Triathlon 5 weeks away!

On June 16th, participants in the 3rd annual Ottawa Riverkeeper Triathlon will be plunging into the waters of the Ottawa River. Somersault will donate half of each team entry fee to Riverkeeper.

Enter your team TODAY!

This year, we have some great prizes for participants who collect pledges. As always, 100% of the pledges will go to support the important work of Ottawa Riverkeeper. If your team collects over $250 in pledges, you will be eligible to receive one of the following:

For details about the event and pledge program, click here.

The Art of Giving

Diane Van Oostdam and Pat Fahey showed their support for a clean Ottawa River and healthy community by selecting Ottawa Riverkeeper as the charity for their latest art show.

The Art of Giving creates a “win, win, win” dynamic for the local artist, the community, and the local charity. Thanks to Pat & Diane and everybody who purchased artwork!


Canadian Waterkeepers Welcome New Field Coordinator

Brett

Canada’s Waterkeeper movement has been steadily growing since the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper first took to the water in 1999. Over the last seven years, eight new programs have emerged to patrol waterways in Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. In 2005, Canadian Waterkeepers held their inaugural regional conference hosted by Ottawa Riverkeeper. Now, the Canadian Waterkeepers have hired the first national Field Coordinator. Brett Rogers will help our member groups with networking & capacity building, communications, and new Waterkeeper recruitment.

Waterkeepers work on some of the most pressing environmental issues in the country, including sewage pollution, energy development, and water withdrawals. Our resources rarely match those of polluters and lobbyists. Brett will help us pool our resources, raise our profile, and share our best practices.

If you want to become a Waterkeeper in a Canadian community, contact Brett at brett@waterkeepers.ca.

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Ottawa Riverkeeper is a charitable organization,
our business number is 862697059RR0001.