Thunder Bay, ON – Today, and every March 22nd since 1993, the world focuses on the importance of safe water as we recognize World Water Day. Water is not simply necessary for life; it is a living spirit. World Water Day is a reminder of our collective responsibility to hold our governments and industries accountable for their role in protecting Mother Earth.
As Water Carriers and caretakers of our traditional lands and waterways, Indigenous women are uniquely impacted by the wellbeing of water. The climate crisis threatens our cultural practices, our medicines, and our ceremonies, which are inextricably connected to our lands and our waters. There are 2 billion people living without access to safe water, including many First Nations communities across Canada. However, we know that Indigenous women and girls are strong, resilient, and working to reclaim our relationship with Mother Earth and hold governments and industries to account.
This month, Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) celebrated a hard-fought victory – the groundbreaking of a long-promised specialized medical care facility for those suffering from mercury poisoning. This milestone highlights the tireless efforts of the community, but more action is urgently needed to address the intergenerational impact of mercury contamination in Grassy Narrows. The health, cultural practices, plant medicine, and food security of community members continue to be jeopardized.
On this important day of recognition, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) asks you to pause and reflect on the state of our sacred water. We call on you to consider ways that we can each make a difference, how collectively we can make a global impact on the health of our water systems. No matter how small the action you take, every action makes a difference.
Community is invited to sit with ONWA Grandmother Renee Thomas-Hill in the Virtual Lodge from 3:00-4:00pm (EST) on March 22. Grandmother Renee will be sharing water teachings and instructions on how to do a water offering to acknowledge World Water Day. Register now at: https://forms.office.com/r/rz0sKcnFvj
For more information and media inquiries, contact:
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
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