Wiikwemkoong woman lead water walker in the spirit of Josephine Mandamin baa
by Jacqueline M. St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
WIIKWEMKOONG—Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory’s Sharon Manitowabi and a dedicated group of Anishinabek Water Walkers are set to embark on a significant journey around Naadowewi-Gichigami (Lake Huron) beginning on July 21. This ambitious 30-day Water Walk aims to honour Nibi (Water) and connect communities around Lake Huron.
“We’re going to be walking the whole circumference of Lake Huron, Naadowewi-Gichigami, beginning on St. Joseph Island at the Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site,” says Ms. Manitowabi, lead Water Walker for the Naadowewi-Gichigami Water Walk. “We’ll be going eastward all the way around, and 30 days later we will be completing the walk in Detour, Michigan.”
The walk is a tribute to Nibi and seeks to foster a deep connection between communities and water bodies. The grandmothers participating in the walk aim to speak to Nibi and the water spirits, praying for the return of healthy rivers, lakes and oceans for future generations. About eight to 10 core walkers will be part of this journey.
“We have quite a few grandmothers that have walked in many previous walks joining us,” Ms. Manitowabi shares. “In the preliminary planning and discussions, they were so appreciative of a major walk like this—it was kind of missed by the walkers. They agreed to provide teachings to the younger walkers they meet along the way, providing water teachings because it’s all about our relationship with the water. It is a Water Walk, but it’s not about the walk; it’s about the water and our relationship with that water.”
Ms. Manitowabi also plans to encourage local community members along the route to join the Water Walk. “There’s lots of Water Walking groups that have been active all the way around that lake, including in Michigan,” Ms. Manitowabi explains. “We’re hoping local walkers will come and take the vessel and carry it through their traditional territory and join us in the ceremony.”
Reflecting on her past experiences, Ms. Manitowabi recalls participating in two of the late Grandmother Water Walker Josephine Mandamin-baa’s Water Walks. “I wish I had been able to do more with her, but even those two years, 2015 and 2017, were a great experience for me,” she says. “It actually changed the whole focus of my life, it brought me to learn about the traditional aspects of our life, it brought me to the lodge, and it made me into a dedicated Water Walker.”
Ms. Manitowabi also served as the late Grandmother Water Walker’s helper during the 2017 Water Walk from Duluth, Minnesota, to Matane, Quebec. “I drove for her and spent most of my days with her,” she says. “I was so gifted to be able to do that with her on her last walk. One of her main messages was to keep walking, that we need to share this with other women.”
Ms. Manitowabi initiated the Love of the Rivers 2.0 Water Walks in Thunder Bay. “We’re completing year three right now, with one more walk to do,” she noted, adding that the McVicar Creek Water Walk will take place in September in Thunder Bay. “Next year, there will be another four walks to complete, then we’ll be done with that series. We encourage women to develop a relationship with the water by visiting it regularly and offering prayers and tobacco.”
Among the participants, Connor Peltier, a youth who has walked in several Water Walks, will join as an Eagle Staff Carrier. “There are quite a few other young people joining too,” Ms. Manitowabi says. “I find that as soon as they hold that pail [of water] or the staff, something significant happens to them, and they get it—they know that water is important.”
The Water is Calling
The initiative, led by Anishinaabe-kwe Grandmothers, begins on July 21, 2024, around Naadowewi-Gichigami. The Grandmothers will walk to honor and speak to Nibi, praying for the return of healthy water bodies for future generations.
Ms. Manitowabi has dedicated her life to this sacred duty. “I am Bear Clan, and as Midewiwin, my work is with the most sacred medicine, water. I have been a Water Walker for eight years and recently initiated the Love of the Rivers 2.0 Water Walks in Thunder Bay to honor the water flowing through the city.”
Ms. Manitowabi emphasizes the profound connection Indigenous people have with water. “It’s almost as if, when I hold water in a cup, the water all around the world hears me. There is scientific proof of water’s responsiveness, and the teachings provided make it easy for me to understand and know the truth.”
Participants in the walk share stories and experiences, often noting the changes in the water’s weight and feel. “We can tell when we are carrying the water if it’s not feeling well or if someone is carrying negativity. As soon as that is corrected, the weight changes.”
The walk will start at Fort St. Joseph, a historically significant site. Ms. Manitowabi chose this location after a visit confirmed it as the right place to begin. “It’s amazing how everything came together and fell into place. Many people offered their help, and it’s encouraging to know this walk will happen.”
Ms. Manitowabi hopes that individuals will join them along the way, carrying the copper pail or the eagle staff and developing a relationship with the water. “Grandmothers know that people need the healing — participation is key.”
Join the Walk
The Water Walk aims to cover the entire circumference of Lake Huron, inviting local walkers to join and support the effort. The walk emphasizes the importance of water and the need for community involvement to ensure the health and well-being of water bodies for future generations.
As Ms. Manitowabi concludes, “We all share the responsibility to honor water. Even the smallest gesture helps. Let’s come together and support this sacred journey.”
For more information about the Water Walk and how to participate, visit https://www.thewateriscalling.org/the-route
