Waterwalking: Prayers and songs for the Water

When we walk for Nibi (water), we are in Ceremony.

We move like water, continuously each day, from the mouth in Port Credit to the headwaters in Orangeville. This is a time for quietude, prayers and songs for water.

All are welcome to participate in the Credit River Water Walk. There is no registration fee.

Please bring tobacco in a bag or pouch for offerings to the water.

You will also need to cover your own expenses (gas, snacks, lunch) and arrange to get back to your car when you finish walking.

We follow protocols established by Josephine-Baa Mandamin to show respect for water, our ancestors, grandmothers, Mother Earth, and ourselves:

  • Long skirts or pants and shirts with sleeves are worn during the water walk.

  • Drugs and alcohol are not permitted. 

  • Each person carries Asemaa (tobacco) to offer to any flowing streams or rivers they cross. 

  • Asemaa is also laid down for any dead animals or birds.

  • Women on their moon-time (menstruating) do not carry the water, as they are already in ceremony.

  • Men carry the eagle feather staff, but if there are no males in attendance, women may carry the staff.

  • Always respect the territory we are traveling through.

  • Remember why you are here. This walk is about Nibi (the water).

The Credit River Waterwalk ceremony starts June 15th 2024 at 7am and flows in a leap-frog fashion. Cars are used along the route to support the walkers. The next day, the walk begins with ‘touch up’ opening ceremony around 3 or 4am, you will be able to find us via our SPOT GPS tracker. Once walking begins, a copper pail with water and eagle staff are carried by a pair of core walkers. Once they reach the next walkers, the pail and staff pass forward to another pair of walkers (who are waiting by a car), and they drive the waiting vehicle ahead and wait for their turn to carry the pail and staff again. In this fashion, the water and walkers flow continuously. At the end of each day, there is a "touchdown" ceremony.

Core walkers have committed to the duration of the walk. Their food and accommodations are provided so they can focus their attention on ceremony. The core walkers carry the pail and staff during the water walk. Community walkers are invited to walk behind the core walkers throughout the day.

Please read the following carefully before choosing to community walk.

Please note, the Credit River Waterwalk is NOT:

  • A protest or social event 

  • A vacation or easy journey 

  • About you, or what you can gain

  • A competition of “I can go the distance”

  • For sleeping in or sitting idle 

  • For boasting or gossiping

  • A place to look for your next partner

  • For pets, bikes or skateboards

  • Showing up on only the final day to be seen and say you were there

  • For anyone who has romanticized ideas about Indigenous people

  • For those who feel the need to force other cultural values onto the protocols 

 If anyone is disruptive or disrespectful during the walk, they will be asked to leave.

Instructions for Community Walkers:

  • You are welcome to join us for Opening Ceremony Saturday June 15th at 7am at the JC Saddington Park in Port Credit. Please plan to arrive early to find us as we will be starting at 7am sharp.

  • A SPOT GPS is tracking the walk, follow the link to see where we are (please note there is a 10 min delay) and the tracking link will be active once the Waterwalk starts.

  • We recommend having a walking partner for travel, self sufficiency, bathroom and food breaks.

  • When you arrive for the day, please go directly to the Grandmother Van to affirm that you have read and agree to the Waterwalking protocols on this webpage, to offer your tobacco, smudge, and receive further instructions.

  • Be cautious, safety always comes first.

  • You should be prepared to walk behind the core walkers, and potentially drive or share vehicles.

  • Please walk on the outside of the white line closest to the shoulder or stay on sidewalks and maintain a site-line to the core walkers.

  • Have a plan to get back to your vehicle at the end of your walking time (for example, call a taxi or Uber, or friend to pick you up). Water walk helpers are not responsible for your transportation.

  • If you bring children, keep them close to your side and away from the road.

  • Please bring your own snacks, food, and drinking water in a reusable bottle, sun tan lotion, hat, first aid etc.

  • For safety reasons, please wear a high visibility shirt or safety vest.

  • Arrive with a full tank of gas. Each walker is responsible for their own gas costs.

  • Please exit the walk if you are feeling unwell or unable to keep pace with the walkers.

  • Everyone is welcome to participate in community feasts, please bring food for yourself if you plan to join us.

  • Carry what you learn from Nibi and the Credit River Waterwalk to your community.

Miigwech.