CENTRE WELLINGTON – From Sept. 21 to 27, people from across the Grand River watershed will walk together to honour Nibi (water) and raise awareness of local water issues.
The walk will go through Belwood, Fergus and Elora on Sept. 22.
“We all share responsibility for water, future generations and all our relations,” walk officials stated in a press release.
“The All Nations Grand River Water Walk brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together through collective care.”
The Water Walk begins with an Anishinaabe ceremony at the river’s source near Dundalk, Ontario, where a copper pail will be filled with water.
Walkers will then travel 270km along the east side of the river, returning the water to the river’s mouth at Lake Erie (Port Maitland).
Along the way, community members are invited to walk, learn about Indigenous ways, reflect on water issues and explore ideas for action.
This walk is a weeklong ceremony of reciprocity that includes feeding the water with food bundles and offering tobacco, songs and prayers.
These ideas were introduced by the late Josephine Mandamin, an Anishinaabe woman who walked around all of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River from 2003 to 2017, creating many ripples across Turtle Island.
The All Nations Grand River Water Walk is led by Mary Anne Caibaiosai, an Anishinaabe Elder who walked with Mandamin in 2017. Since then, Caibaiosai has led ceremonies and water walks for people from all Nations.
Walkers begin before sunrise each day and continue until they are ready to stop.
Drivers are asked to slow down, pass carefully and stop at intersections to allow the walkers to proceed safely.
This year’s walk will draw attention to waters held behind dams, where Nibi’s natural flow is interrupted.
Ceremonies will be held at the Shand, Shades Mills, Parkhill, Wilkes and Dunnville Bridge dams.
Residents can follow the journey virtually.
A GPS Spot will be attached to the pail, with live coordinates posted online.
Community walkers are welcome to walk behind the core group. Before arriving, please review the Water Walk’s online protocols.
“Nga Zichiige Nibi Onji — I do it for the water,” organizers state.
For more information including a schedule, the live coordinates, or information about getting involved visit grandriverwaterwalk.com.
