In 2003, when Anishnaabe Elder Josephine Mandamin took her first ceremonial water walk around Lake Superior, she wanted to share the message that the water is sick and people need to fight for that water, to speak for that water and to love that water.

“Josephine was presented with a prophecy from an Elder within the Three Fires Midewiwin society in the year 2000 that warned that water will cost as much as gold by the year 2030,” read the statement. “For the Anishinaabe, water is associated with Mother Earth and it is the responsibility of grandmothers to lead other women in praying for and protecting the water.”

Josephine Mandamin, a well known environmental activist from Wikwemikong First Nation crossed over to walk with the Ancestors February 25, 2018. She was 77. The legacy she leaves behind is a heightened awareness of our collective responsibility of respecting and protecting the water — the lifeblood of all existence on earth.

The important work she started through Mother Earth Water Walk and the Great Lakes Guardians’ Council lays the foundation for the future of the Great Lakes Waterways, and for the next seven generations of water walkers and water warriors from across Turtle Island.

Guided by our beloved Founders of The Circle of Turtle Ledge and Grandmother Water Walkders: Norma Bailey, Annie Parker and Elder Aimee Bailey, please join us on Earth Day to honour and protect the water and the land to sustain the next seven generations and the ecosystems that support and sustain us in the interconnection of the web of life.

We will close with ceremony and Potluck Feast. Women are asked to wear long skirts to honour Mother Earth. Bring your drums, shakers, regalia, feast bundle, water bottle, and creative “Water is Life” signs for the 35 minute scenic walk in the beautiful Bonnechere Valley and unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation of Pikwakanagan.

We look forward to walking with you on Earth Day 2024!