Fourth annual Walk in prayer for the health of our waters

Seven Generations Forward has determined that this year, the Sacred Water Walk will not happen in person because of Covid concerns.

You are invited instead to take some time today - Sunday May 2, 2021 - with some water that nourishes you, in reflection and gratitude. Where possible, you are invited to go to the water body closest to you, a river, lake, stream, marsh, pond and spend some time there. This water body is connected to the source that allows for your personal access to clean water. What is your relationship like with this water body or with your source of drinking water? How might you share your gratitude?

For those that don't have a nearby water body, or a way to get there, please pour a glass of water from your tap and reflect on its source, and what your relationship is with that source. How might you share your gratitude?

Many of us will be engaging in this reflection and gratitude practice on this day. Imagine if we took a moment every day...

Many of us have been inspired by grandmother Josephine Mandamin and her dedication to water protection through walking for the water. In honour of all that has been inspired in us through her walks, we feel called to walk for the health of the Speed and Eramosa rivers that we enjoy so freely.

Join this fourth annual Sacred Water Walk which is held in ceremony and in prayer for the health of our waters. Because we are in a specific Anishinaabe Ceremony, women wear long skirts and men long pants to show our respect for our Grandmothers, for Mother Earth and for ourselves. Women on their Moon-time do not carry the water during this time, as they are already in Ceremony.

A Water Walk is Not:

*a protest, activist action, or a social event.
*about the individual or what you can gain sitting idle
*a place to look for your next partner
*for boasting, social chatting, carelessly talking nor gossiping
*for thrill seekers, nor is it a contest or competition, exercise, a work-out, or a game of “I can handle it” or go the distance
*for those that just show up at the end the walk to be seen and to say they were there
*a performance piece
*for those who have romanticized ideas about Indigenous people
*for those who feel the need to force other cultural values onto protocols already in place

Note:A Water Walk IS first and foremost about Water. It is an ANISHINAABE CEREMONY from the time the pail is lifted to the time of set down the Walkers are in Ceremony.

Hosted by:

Seven Generations Forward