A Water Walk is a ceremonial event. There are protocols that you should be aware of if you wish to participate. This post includes a pdf that outlines what you need to know as well as excerpts from an article on a previous Water Walk around Rice Lake. Members of TRC- Bobcaygeon have attended various Water Walks. The two images below are from Mother’s Day weekend May 2019.
The following is an excerpt from an event notice for a 2019 Water Walk.
Over the three days we will walk in ceremony around Rice Lake to honour Nibi (Sacred Water). Each day the walks will start with a water blessing… The walk will finish … with a closing ceremony and potluck dinner. Walkers are welcome to join us anywhere along the route…
The Kawartha Lakes Water Walks are the vision of Elder Shirley Williams and Liz Osawamick, who have shared Traditional Anishinaabe Water Teachings in the Peterborough area for many years. Mother’s Day weekend in May is a symbolic date for the Water Walks. As we celebrate our mothers and grandmothers, we also remember and honour our Earth Mother and her life-giving water that nourishes and sustains all Creation.
Walking for the water was inspired by Grandmother Josephine Mandamin who began ceremonial water walks by walking around all of the Great Lakes. We were blessed to have had her join us on many of our local walks. Grandmother Josephine has been an inspiration for Anishinaabe Kwewag and supporters to take up the call to bring local awareness to our communities about the sacredness of Nibi and to care for Her as much as we care for our human families. Sadly, Grandmother Josephine passed away this past winter. We will be walking in her honour this year.
Kina awiya, bizhaak! All nations and genders are welcome. In keeping with First Nations ceremonial protocol, women are respectfully asked to wear long skirts and men to wear long pants. Please come as you identify. We also ask that your pets remain at home- service dogs are welcome. Children are more than welcome but must be accompanied by parents or caregivers…
Aambe! Come! Join us anywhere on the route, for an hour or two or for all three days. Walk with us as we honour Nibi, the memory of Grandmother Josephine, and bring a greater awareness for the need to have clean water for future generations and for all Creation.