The Water Grandmothers

My introduction to Water Grandmothers was in the early 2000’s when I first heard Elder Josephine Mandamin speak about the sacredness of water and her walks around the Great Lakes.  At that time, I had just commenced a collaboration with Cecelia Brooks to develop environmental learning and teaching pathways for our local Wolastoqey youth.  Together, we visited local communities and spoke with the Chiefs, Elders, teachers, and youth to create and deliver elementary and high school curricula. 

Over the years I have been very fortunate to work with Cecelia on many things including her creation of the Water Grandmother / Samaqan Nuhkomoss / Samuqwan Mi'kiju project.  This initiative was granted to her by the Assembly of First Nation Chiefs of New Brunswick with a view to cultivating water reconciliation and its awareness for the Canadian Rivers Institute and thereby foster better colleagues and neighbours for Indigenous communities.

I grew up on the water and in the woods of ‘Musquakie’ on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg (the Chippewa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi peoples).  While I spent most of my time on the water and in the woods, I had no real knowledge or awareness of Indigenous people or modern science.  I was often alone, and I quickly learned to watch and listen because our natural world is alive even though hidden by the deluge of noise created by modern life.  I often wonder about my younger self’s pathway had I known the creation stories of the Indigenous people which I have been learning from them.

For me, I was a natural historian from a young age which contributed to my successful career and wealth of experiences as a university professor.  I was naturally drawn to study, research, teach, and consult on the water and fish of many places, especially those of my home on the Wolastoq (Saint John River) and the many waters of the Wolastoqey, Mi'kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati peoples.  Now, as I reach the summit my university career and in return for everything that water has given to me as it sustained my life journey, I am undertaking this expedition to create a water reconciliation story for anyone and everyone who is ready to share and listen.