All are welcome to join our water walk ceremony to honor and speak to the water.
Interested in joining?
New walkers often tell us about feeling a pull, nudge or “something” brought me here. For Indigenous People, it’s the ancestors bringing you to this ceremony, for others it may be a call to help protect the water.
Water Walks are based on Anishinaabe water teachings; it is always about the water.
Grandmothers will walk with you and provide guidance and support.
These are your traditional lands and waters. The healing is for all our relations.
What to know before joining
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When you arrive, reach out to the vehicle with its lights flashing behind the walkers. Please do not approach the walkers at the front as they are in ceremony and carrying the water.
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One of our core walkers will provide a short orientation, a smudge and a loaner safety vest. It is ok to smudge on your own prior to joining the walk and to bring your own vests.
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Once you have smudged and have a safety vest on, our core walkers will place you in position.
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If you have a vehicle, it will be moved along for you if needed.
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You can choose to stay for only one rotation, a few hours, or a number of days. It is your choice!
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While carrying Nibi it is a time for prayer, song, or reflection, please no idle chatting.
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The safety of the walkers is extremely important as road and traffic conditions vary, so please take the advice of our core walkers.
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Everyone must wear either a long skirt or long pants. Water Carriers are always required to wear a skirt. Skirts will be available to borrow during the Water Walk.
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Anyone on their Moon-time cannot carry the water as they are already in ceremony.
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Elders and families with children are welcome. Young children can help carry the pail or staff. Babies in strollers and Elders with walkers have participated, your walking pace and distance is up to you.
Water Walk Protocol
Please read before joining
When we are walking for the water, we move like water, think like the water, be the water, continuously all day long, until our touchdown in the evening for rest.
Water Carriers
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The water carrier must only look forward, and never stop, moving with care to not spill or drop Nibi. While with the water, it is a time for prayer, song or quiet reflection, it is your time to connect with Nibi.
Staff Carriers
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The staff carrier is the protector of the water and the water carrier. The staff carrier is the water carrier’s eyes and ears and provides her with any instruction.
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The Staff Carrier walks by the Water Carrier’s side, or slightly behind, but never steps in front of the water vessel (except for when necessary to ensure the walker’s safety!).
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Staff Carriers will carry asemaa (tobacco) to offer to any flowing streams or rivers we cross, acknowledge our sacred sites and to honor any of our relatives we may see or meet along the roads or trails.
What to bring
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A refillable water bottle and healthy snacks
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Comfortable walking shoes and a safety vest (loaner vests will be available)
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Weather-appropriate clothing and rain gear (we walk in the rain!)
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Your own feast plate and utensils, lawn chair, and blanket if you are able to join the Grandmothers for a meal
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You may bring hand drums and rattles. Songs are encouraged while waiting to carry the water.
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Please respect the territory we travel through, as we are guests