A.I.M. of Michigan Annual River Crossing

Groups of canoes crossing towards Windsor, Ontario, Canada despite freighters.

Lead canoe with Mona Stonefish shows her Anishinaabe Courage to the Freighter named "American Courage"

Mona Stonefish versus the freighter named "American Courage" - we call the photo "Anishinaabek Courage"

Groups of canoes crossing towards Windsor, Ontario, Canada despite freighters.

A lone canoe finishes

Drummers shake hands after AIM song

Photos and article by Brita Brookes

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The American Indian Movement of Michigan held their Annual Detroit River Crossing on Friday May 19, 2011 on a perfect sunny day as a living demonstration of the 1794 Jay Treaty Border Crossing Rights Agreement.

The event which occurs every year began at Belle Isle Park, Michigan where canoes launched and paddled across the Detroit River to the Windsor, Ontario Peace Fountain docks and then back across to Belle Isle.

The careful planning by The A.I.M. chapter of Michigan with the US Coast Guard and local law enforcement enabled the canoes to cross safely without the hazard of speeding boat traffic on the river.

Almost all speedboats were stopped until the event was over but there were a few tense moments when a few monster great lakes freighters passed through the area while several canoe groups were still returning from a second crossing.

All canoe pairs completed the crossing and vowed to return again next year to actively demonstrate their inherent rights. There was good representation from both those who travelled from middle Michigan and those who drove in from all parts of Ontario to participate in the days crossing.

Drum group Weengushk (Sweetgrass) played the AIM song, prayed and reflected on those who have sadly ''walked on'' since the last Canoe Crossing in 2010. The weekend was topped off with the annual A.I.M. pow wow which occurred in Lincoln Park, Michigan." 

Article III of the Treaty states "It is agreed, that it shall at all times be free to His Majesty's subjects, and to the citizens of the United States, and also to the Indians dwelling on either side of the said boundary line, freely to pass and repass, by land or inland navigation into the respective territories and countries of the two parties on the continent of America, ... and freely carry on trade and commerce with each other."

by Brita Brookes freelance reporter for Michigan