The connector: Henry is 6ft, but his height belies his weighty presence. A man rooted firmly in his Haudenosaunee culture, he holds the great gift of connecting cultures.

The Diver: With a connection to the Great River dating all the way to the construction of the Moses-Saunders Dam, Ron Macdonald is a man-in-the know when it comes to changes to our local waterway.

We all connect to nature in different ways. For some, it’s through a walk, hike, snowshoe or cross country ski in the great outdoors. For others, it’s heading out to a river to paddle a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. For foragers, that bond comes from collecting wild foods.

For Jessica Shenandoah, foraging is all about preserving traditions, amplifying Indigenous knowledge, building community, and protecting plants for future generations to enjoy.

There’s a new generation of avid anglers in our midst—and they’re filled with passion, generational knowledge, and a deep connection to the river. Meet one of them, Mackenzie Petrie.

A boat ride on the St Lawrence with Ian Macintosh is a trip back in time and a painful reminder of tragedy.

Abraham Francis is both grounded by Indigenous and scientific knowledge. That’s a powerful combination that serves his community and all others who orbit him.

Norm Seymour lives and breathes ecology. He’s spent a lifetime studying it, teaching it, and writing about it. Now he’s sharing everything he knows for the benefit of Great River Rapport.

Steve DeRochie sees trapping as a role and a responsibility that will make a positive impact on the future of the wetlands at Cooper Marsh.

Kate is a young, knowledgeable naturalist, with a deep love and curiosity for the natural world. She has translated this passion into lifelong learning, a career, and through it, she is making a contribution to the Great River Rapport.