Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Credit River Water Walk: Honoring and Protecting the Sacred Waters

Georgetown, June 1, 2023 - On June 16th, the Credit River Waterwalk begins the first of a 4-year transformative journey to honor and pray to the life-giving waters of the Credit River and its surrounding regions.

An Anishinaabe ceremony, led by Anishinaabe kwe Mary Anne Caibaiosai, the Credit River Waterwalk is not an event or protest but a sacred ceremony that embodies Anishinaabe ceremonial water teachings.

Nibi (water) is the lifeblood that sustains us all, and the Credit River Waterwalk serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness with water and our responsibility as stewards.

"We walk to honor all Nibi, to speak and to pray to her spirit; to offer petitions so there will be healthy rivers, lakes, and oceans for future generations and our ancestors. We are excited to commence the first year of this meaningful journey," says Caibaiosai.

Water walkers from as far as Thunder Bay will be gathering for the opening ceremony at the headwaters of the Credit River in Orangeville on June 16th. They will walk in ceremony, carrying water from the headwaters in a copper pail to the mouth of the Credit River in Port Credit.

Due to the ceremonial nature of the walk, community members are invited to join in certain aspects of it as long as they follow protocols and bring a good mind and heart.

On June 15th, the day before the walk begins, members of the public are invited to attend a Community Welcome for the Credit River Waterwalk at the John Elliott Theatre in Georgetown. During the Community Welcome, Anishinaabe kwewog (women) Mary Anne Caibaiosai, Val King, and Dale Cimolai will share water teachings, connections to, and songs for the Water. This event aims to raise awareness of the walk, bring the community together, and fundraise for essential expenses.

To purchase tickets to the Community Welcome, financially support the walk, and learn more about the Credit River Waterwalk, please visit their official website at www.creditriverwaterwalk.com.