Paddle from Otsiningo Park to the Confluence

Friday, September 12th, 2025

A fleet of canoes and other watercraft will launch from Otsiningo Park after an opening ceremony at 9:45 am led by Tony Gonyea, an Onondaga Faith Keeper. The group will travel down the Chenango River, and land at Confluence Park for a welcoming fire ceremony at around noon. The canoe journey will be led by Hickory Edwards of the Onondaga Canoe Club. These events will take place in the spirit of Gaswéñdah, the Two-Row Wampum, “as a living treaty” between Haudenosaunee nations and non-Indigenous communities, such as the university. 

Schedule:

For paddling participants only:

**Note, paddlers bringing their own kayaks or canoes should plan to drop them off at Otsiningo Park in the morning prior to driving to 6 Front Street by 9 am. Volunteers will be available to help you unload your boat at Otsiningo Park starting at 8 am and will watch over the boats until the paddle launch.

9:00 am           Meet at 6 Front Street, brief welcome and overview, organize into vans and cars

9:20 am           Shuttle to Otsiningo Park 

9:30 am           Unload kayaks and canoes

9:45 am          Opening by Tony Gonyea at Otsiningo Park 

10:00 am       Safety briefing by Rick Shumaker and Hickory Edwards

10:15 am         Launch and paddle down the Chenango River to 6 Front Street landing

11:45 am         Bring boats ashore and walk over bridge to Confluence Park

Noon               Welcome Protocol led by Hickory Edwards at Confluence Park

Route: 

The paddle will start at Otsiningo Park and proceed downstream under the Bevier Street Bridge and then the interstates. We will then pass under the Clinton, Court Street, and Memorial Street (Riverside Drive) bridges before landing river right on the shore of 6 Front Street. Paddlers will then walk across the bridge to Confluence Park for a protocol led by Hickory Edwards.

Participation: 

Anyone is welcome to attend the Opening by Tony Gonyea or the Welcome Protocol led by Hickory Edwards. Please see the shedule for the times these components will take place and the information below for information on parking and where to find the group. Please contact Heidi Nicholls, hnicholls1@binghamton.edu if you are interested in paddling or with any other questions.