The original plan called for launching the mishoon Saturday, September 17th, during a public gathering. However, as was noted in a discussion about the last day of the burning process, a decision was made to get it into the water on that day. This was partly due to the excitement of the moment--celebrating a job well done while so many of those who helped were present. Preservation was another reason for getting the canoe in the water. At one point, Annawon Weeden, the father of two apprentices and founder of The Light Foundation, mentioned that "it is good to get it in the water right away" as the water helps keep the canoe from drying out and, potentially cracking. In fact, mishoonash are stored in the water as much as possible and sunk underwater in the winter.

The impromptu launch on September 9th also allowed testing the balance of the canoe. The canoe had one spot in particular that needed additional shaping. To remedy this problem, the mishoon was taken out of the water on September 16th for fine-tuning and to add other decorative details before being placed back in the water.

On Saturday, September 17, the public was invited to gather and listen to presentations by Andre and Chenae about Indigenous history and traditions. Andre stressed the importance of elders in Indigenous culture and introduced Millie McCowan, an important elder in his life, who opened the day with a prayer. Chenae shared information about traditional foods while cooking bluefish and quail over a campfire. The presentations ended with Daishuan doing a Calumet dance, with Andre drumming and singing.

Afterward, Andre, Chenae, Daishuan, William, Noa, and others paddled the canoe around Josephine's Pond while singing Indigenous songs.

Sinking a water vessel feels counterintuitive, but it is the best way to preserve a mishoon. The water helps keep the wood from drying out. Storing it below the ice in a pond or lake in the winter prevents cracking due to extreme temperatures.

The mishoon was left in Josephine's Pond for a couple of weeks after the final demonstration, which provided additional opportunities for visitors to see the finished canoe. On Thursday, September 28th, Hartman sank the canoe with the help of TWIF and Longfellow's Wayside Inn staff. Given the size of the mishoon, this was not an easy task. It took two hours, as many bucket-loads of rocks were needed to get the canoe deep enough for the coming winter.