Boozhoo! Ta'nsi! Shé:kon! Hello!

We, Nibi Emosaawdamajig, Those That Walk for the Water, would llike to invite you to join us for the 6th Annual Water Awareness Walk in the Kawarthas. This year we are walking in ceremony for the Otonabee River on Sunday, May 10, 2015. 

The walk will begin early Sunday morning at 6:30 AM with a Traditional Water Blessing Ceremony at the Tipi, First People's House of Learning, Trent University on the East Bank. We will complete the walk by late afternoon, back at the location where we started. The total distance is approximately 25 km. Please note that this is only a one-day walk!

Mother's Day weekend in May is the symbolic date for the Water Walks. As we pay homage to our mothers and grandmothers, we also remember and honour our Earth Mother and her life-giving water that nourishes and sustains all Creation. Anishinaabekwewag (Anishinaabe women) on Turtle Island, along with countless friends and supporters, have taken up the call to bring local awareness to our communities about the perils that face the waterways in our homelands.

In keeping with First Nations ceremonial protocol, women are respectfully asked to wear long skirts and men to wear long pants. Children are more than welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or care-giver. We kindly request that your pets remain at home. No bicycles allowed as well. 

Participants may bring their drums and shakers. Food and water will be provided with nutrition breaks held periodically throughout the day. We will be ending the walk where we started with a potluck at the Gathering Space in First People's House of Learning at Trent University. Please feel free to bring your favouite dish. If you could indicate what the ingredients are, those who have allergies or children with allergies will appreciate it. Miigwech!

Police services and SPECIFIC support vehicles will be following the walkers to provide security and assistance, for example, if walkers get tired or need a break. PLEASE wear good walking shoes and weather appropriate outerwear. We will be walking rain or shine.

FOR SAFETY SAKE, WALKERS MUST STAY TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY - ONLY TWO OR THREE PEOPLE WALKING TOGETHER AT A TIME! 
These instructions have been given to us by the police and, in honour, we ask that all participants be mindful of this important rule for the walk. 

Bizhaak... Come! We invite you to join us anywhere on the route for an hour or two or for the day. Walk with us as we honour the waters and strive to bring a greater awareness for the need to have clean water for future generations and for all Creation. We look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time!