Take an entertaining and educational journey through time. Sing fun Canadian folk songs and listen to exciting stories come to life from our past. We will start at the end of the last ice-age, and follow the peopling of North America by Indigenous and First Nations, through to European contact and migration – the coureur des bois and voyageurs, the loggers and lumber barons, the railway navvies, and the pioneers and homesteaders. We will also enjoy some songs about nature and the beautiful wilderness that is so big a part of Mattawa and area. Many of the songs are well known, and the chorus and refrain of others can be learned quickly. Everyone will feel and be a part of this wonderful and traditional campfire singsong experience! It will provide a greater understanding and new perspective of our colourful history and of Canadian folk songs and stories, past and present. You might even get to learn the amazing and true story of Big Joe Mufferaw, who paddled up to Mattawa, all the way from Ottawa in just one day!
The History of Mattawa in Song and Story
Experience Hosted by John Pineau
1-2 hours • Hosted in English

What We’ll Do
Experience Setting
Ecology Center in Mattawa
What to Bring
Your own outside chair
Bug repellent
Dress according to the weather
Bug repellent
Dress according to the weather
What’s Included
Marshmallows and sticks, and wild tea (at the end of the event only)
Environmental Features
Accessible bathroom, Disabled parking spot, Mainly flat or levelled ground, No stairs or steps, No extreme sensory stimuli (e.g. bright lights, loud noises), Wide entrances
Other Details
Length
1-2 hours
Ages
All ages welcome
Skill Level
Beginner
Activity Level
Light
Maximum Number of Guests
10
The History of Mattawa in Song and Story
The canadian ecology centre mattawa

Meet your host, John Pineau
I am a folk musician and I like to play the guitar and sing around campfires, during any season of the year. I am nearing retirement (I hope). My career has spanned 40 years, focusing mainly on forest and natural resources management. I also like to play golf and canoe. I have lived with my family in Mattawa for 20 years, and it is a great part of the world to fully appreciate nature and all that the land can provide.