The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Water Protectors performed a Blessing of the Waters ceremony during the project launch event.
“Our existence can be traced to over two thousand years here.”
Tribal Chairman Ron Yob spoke of the river’s history.
“I had a great-great-great-great grandfather who signed a treaty with the federal government along the rapids here in 1855.”
Grand Rapids Whitewater Project Manager Matt Chapman spoke of the 18 years bringing the restoration from idea to reality.
“We’re standing here today to celebrate a massive milestone, a milestone that came from a citizen-led initiative and was supported by an entire community.”
Those involved in the effort pressed fingerprints onto three large river rocks that project leaders placed into the Grand River.
It signified the launch of the river restoration project and the first phase re-establishing the river’s natural flow by removing four low-head dams enhancing fish and wildlife habitat and expanding public access.
Chris Miller, co-founder of Grand Rapids Whitewater, spearheaded the plan from the beginning.
“Thank you to all the voices who shared why the Grand River is important to them.We genuinely listened to all of those voices. The river belongs to all of us.”
The $14.5 million project headed by Taplin Group is expected to take about two years to complete.
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