World Water Day will raise awareness of the 2 billion people who live without access to safe water, ONWA officials say
The following is a guest column by Cora McGuire Sillett of the Ontario Indigenous Women’s Association.
World Water Day is a global event to celebrate water and raise awareness of the 2 billion people who live without access to safe water.
Water is necessary for human survival, but it also has spiritual and cultural significance for indigenous communities. It is a living spirit sacred to indigenous peoples because it gives life and is used in many rituals. Indigenous women have traditional and unique roles as water carriers and custodians of traditional lands and waterways.
In my role as CEO of the Ontario Indigenous Women’s Association (ONWA), I listen to and elevate the voices of more than 30 Indigenous women’s organizations and the countless community members we serve and represent.
As an Indigenous woman, I understand that creating real systemic change and ensuring the safety of Indigenous women always starts with water, land, and ritual. As stewards of their lands and waterways, we are on the front lines of action. Water protectors’ right to security must be ensured at all levels of government, whether local, territorial, national or international.
When I think of strong indigenous women who play a role in protecting water, Judy da Silva always comes to mind. Judy is a great community leader and water and land activist from the Grassy, Narrows and First Nations in northwestern Ontario, whose work is grounded in Indigenous women’s knowledge and ways of being. Our advocacy and actions are internationally recognized. Judy is leading the charge in advocating for and reminding the world of mercury poisoning from logging, which is impacting the safety of communities.
This year’s World Water Day theme, ‘Water for Peace’, focuses on the critical role water plays in global stability and prosperity. We understand that water is inextricably linked to the safety, health and leadership of Indigenous women.
Throughout history, Indigenous women have cared for the environment and Mother Earth. Because we know that if Mother Earth is safe, healthy and at peace, then so are we. Our teachings show us that we are not separate from our surroundings and the world, but part of it. We must restore harmony with Mother Earth and live in balance because we are all related and have a responsibility to care for Mother Earth.
Just as our ancestors ensured that our land and waters were taken care of, we too must ensure that we take care of Mother Earth and restore balance, for us and our grandchildren’s grandchildren. It doesn’t have to be.
Indigenous women lead differently. We lead from our hearts. We teach from a community perspective, deeply embedding cultural understanding and Indigenous worldviews.
As Canada’s oldest and largest Indigenous women’s organization, we at ONWA understand that being a leader at home and abroad means promoting peace in the world. Our organization is founded on ensuring the safety of Indigenous women, which we understand is tied to the safety of Mother Earth.
We strive to keep Indigenous women safe and Mother Earth safe through advocacy, programs, and leadership in communities, policy, and research. In doing so, we demonstrate the strength of our culture and continue the healing and health that rituals and land- and water-based practices bring.
Think about the state of water and the role it plays in your life. We must fulfill our responsibility as water custodians and take action, no matter how small, to restore peace and balance with Mother Earth.
Cora McGuire-Saillet is CEO of the Ontario Indigenous Women’s Association.
