Water is life: HHL shares Indigenous perspectives with the International Joint Commission
The International Joint Commission (IJC) recently featured the Healthy Headwaters Lab in their monthly newsletter, the Great Lakes Connection.
Dr. Catherine Febria explains:
“Nibi (Ojibwe for water) is the life force that connects us all. As a new and growing research group at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, the Healthy Headwaters Lab is committed to advancing science that connects land, water and people, beginning with the First Peoples of the region.
There is a growing awareness of the rich but untapped depth of knowledge and experience across Indigenous and local communities in freshwater restoration and management across the Great Lakes. Strengthened connections to nature are essential to managing and restoring freshwater resources. Indigenous-led initiatives and commitment to partnerships and collaboration will enrichen our collective efforts and be essential in realizing the shared vision for the future of the Great Lakes.”
From the words of two of the emerging water leaders at the lab, here are their experiences:
Katrina Keeshig (above left) and Destiny Soney (above right)
“Bkejwanong ndoonjibaa, Where the waters divide is my home, the land I come from. To me, nibi is everything. As a woman, even more so. I was always told about the sacred waters we hold, that the start of life is in the water. That it is our responsibility given by creator to take care of that water, both within and around us.” — Destiny Soney
“I had the great honour of researching a book about nibi and asking our elders to share their stories with me. They shared many stories of change: how the ice had changed, the taste of the water, the abundance of fish, the arrival of invasive species and the way that the community used to gather at the water for everything. Throughout their stories they also shared what needed to be done; return to our teachings, build resiliency in our communities, protect our land and water.” — Katrina Keeshig
