A new concept for old tradition
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Artwork by award winning artist Robert Griffing decorates tee shirts and posters to promote the state-wide month-long canoe race/river float to benefit Riley Childrens' Hospital and local charities sponsored by the Eel River Indian Tribe. Griffing's works are on display at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art in Indianapolis and have been published in Western Art Magazine. Image provided

Throughout the country there are bike-a-thons, cut-a-thons and various other 'a-thons' held annually to raise money for charities and to help those less fortunate than the 'a-thoners.' Most of the charity events are tried and true and have stood the test of time to produce the desired result.

The local Eel River Indian Tribe decided to go all the other 'a-thons' one better by interjecting their own heritage and tradition, vital and significant to what they are all about, into their charity event. They are hosting what is considered by many to be the first "Canoe-AThon" to raise money to benefit Riley Childrens' Hospital and the tribe's own charitable funds. Those funds include educational scholarships, hardship assistance, cultural and heritage preservation and quality of life.

"This is as much for public awareness that our special funds exist as anything else," tribal chief Mike Floyd said. "The tribe wants the community to know that our scholarships and our charitable funds are available for anyone to apply for help. Anyone with a need can apply and we hope they do."

The canoe-a-thon is titled "Sinipiongi," which means 'from the river' according to Floyd. The river is very significant in Indian history and meaningful in today's tribe.

"Many live along the river, but few become it," is inscribed on the tribal Web site. "Between the banks of pleasure and pain flows the river of life. If you spend much time on either bank, you will miss out on life."

Another difference between this 'a-thon' and the others is that this event is month-long in August. The kick-off date is Aug. 4 when the tribe will host a lazy 20-mile float trip from Logansport to Delphi.

A 38-mile "Warriors' Canoe Race" from Logansport to Lafayette's Davis Ferry Park will also be held that day. The first two-person canoe team to reach the finish line will receive a $500 cash prize. Second-place will receive $250 and all entrants on that day will receive a tee shirt. But that isn't all! Everyone will receive a waterproof camera, cooler, sunglasses, first aid kit, key chain, a compass, binoculars, sun block, chap stick, chewing gum and state hunting and fishing guides in a participant pack.

However, the event is statewide throughout August and participation in different parts of the state is suggested. Registration forms can be picked up at any canoe-rental business registered with the Department of Natural Resources.

"State-wide participation is important so that people know they can join in all through the month of August on their own time, anywhere they happen to be," Floyd explained.

For information about the event and/or the tribe, visit the Web site at www.eelrivertribeofindiana. org where forms can be downloaded or call (219) 984-5441.

"We really want to help people," Floyd said to explain the ultimate goal of the "Canoe-AThon." "We think there is a big void for this type of thing in our community. We don't limit our helping to just our tribe members. We really want to reach out into the community and be a help for anyone who has a need."