The Great Walk

On January 27, 1968, more than 200 hikers joined President Tom Symons and Chief Dalton Jacobs as they walked from Champlain College to Curve Lake to raise money for the new community centre at Curve Lake. Fifty years later, Champlain College is recreating the event with the support of Curve Lake First Nation, First People’s House of Learning and some notable Champlain alumni. As our country embarks on the journey towards reconciliation, this walk is meant to be a symbol of the friendship that continues between Trent University and Curve Lake to this day, and is an opportunity for all members of the Trent community to affirm their personal commitment to engage with reconciliation.

Students, staff, faculty and alumni are invited to participate by walking, volunteering or donating to the Curve Lake Community Centre.

Walking

The walk is 17.5 kilometres with a lunch and rest break at the halfway check in point (Selwyn Township Office Parking Lot corner of Centre Line and Eight Line). We will be walking up the Centre Line of Smith and boating across the water to Curve Lake. From the beach at Curve Lake, we will walk the final 5 minutes to the Curve Lake Community Centre for a reception.

All walkers must pre-register as space is limited. Your registration will ensure transportation at the crossing point and lunch (meat or veggie chilli with bannock, catered by Grandfather's Kitchen) and to reserve a spot on the bus transportation back to Trent. 

Unable to walk? Please join us at Curve Lake for the closing celebration.

Please note registration is required if your are participating in the walk, or meeting the group at Curve Lake.

Volunteers

We are looking for 20-30 volunteers to support along the route and at the lunch station.

Donating

The Curve Lake Community Centre is currently fundraising for a new gymnasium and library to be attached to the Curve Lake First Nation School. Those who would like to make a donation to these projects may do so. Cheques can be made to Curve Lake First Nation or to donate by credit card, please call the Curve Lake finance department, 705-657-8045.

Date: Saturday, September 22, 2018

(for Curve Lake Guests only) 8:30 - Bus pick up in the Curve Lake Church parking lot.

9:00 am – Registration and Check In Opens – Champlain College, The Great Hall
9:30 am – Welcome, Opening Remarks, Smudge and Safety briefing
10:00 am – Departure 
12:00 pm – Lunch at Halfway Check Point- Selwyn Township Office Parking Lot
1:00 pm – Walk resumes
3:00 to 4:30 pm – Boat shuttle to Curve Lake Beach
4:30pm – Reception at Lancewood Park
5:15 pm – Buses departing for Trent University

click here for a Map of the walk

Please note that timing is approximate and must be flexible to accommodate for pace of walkers and conditions

Things you need to know

1. Washrooms are available at Champlain College, Johnny on the Spots available at the Halfway Point, and in the Curve Lake Community Centre
2. Lunch will be Chili and Bannock (vegetarian and meat options available).
3. We will be boating across Chemong Lake for approximately 1 km.
4. A support vehicle will follow the walkers to alert traffic
5. Volunteers will be markers along the route to keep you motivated and offer support if needed
6. Bus transportation back to Trent University will be provided – please register to ensure your spot
7. Bring water, dress for the weather, wear proper footwear and pack some snacks
8. In the case of severe weather (ie., thunderstorms), the walk will be cancelled.
9. Questions? Please contact Tina Fridgen (cfridgen@trentu.ca)

Thank you to the Organizing Committee

• Alison Scholl – Manager, Community Relations and University Events
• Dawn Lavell-Harvard – First People’s House of Learning
• Harvey McCue ‘66 – Champlain College Alumni
• Jamie Camrass – Champlain Summer Ambassador
• Keith Knott (Elder & former Chief) – Curve Lake First Nation
• Mary MacLeod-Beaver -  Indigenous Enrolment Advisor
• Mitch Huguenin – Indigenous Mentorship Coordinator
• Noreen Conway – Curve Lake First Nation
• Sean Carlin – Champlain College Cabinet President
• Tina Fridgen– Principal of Champlain College