The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory runs along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in Québec, across from Montréal. It is here, along the river, that Mohawk people have lived for centuries.

In the traditional language of the Mohawks, the word "kahnawake" means "by the rapids," and the Mohawks of Kahnawake have always lived on the water. The Onake Paddling Club, founded in 1972, was an instant success and continues to flourish in this community. Sharron Rice and Alwyn Morris were paddlers in the Club right from its start. Sharron and her family are all actively involved in the sport of paddling and talk about the tremendous benefits it brings, not only as a form of fitness but as a place to build teamwork, perseverance and to be spiritually connected to the water. Alwyn Morris was 13 when began paddling with the club and went on to become a highly accomplished athlete, winning both gold and bronze medals in the1984 Los Angeles Olympics.