Lakehead University recently organized a significant water walk ceremony at Boulevard Lake in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This event was the second installment of a two-part series focused on Indigenization, cultural health literacy, and creating vital space for Indigenous community members and elders to share their profound knowledge with students.

The ceremony was a powerful demonstration of respect for waterways and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. It aimed to foster community engagement and provide experiential learning, facilitating discussions on integrating Indigenous wisdom within academic settings.

Honoring Water Activist Josephine Mandamin

The water walk ceremony was spearheaded by Elder Sheila De Corte of Fort William First Nation. The committee, in collaboration with the Lakehead University Elders Council, sought Elder De Corte's guidance, reflecting a strong commitment to incorporating Indigenous leadership and knowledge into the series.

Elder De Corte, who has led water walks in Thunder Bay for eight years, dedicated this ceremony to the memory of the late Grandmother Josephine Mandamin. Mandamin, a renowned water activist from Wikwemikong, devoted her life to raising awareness about water protection across Turtle Island, serving as a mentor to many water walkers.

De Corte emphasized the critical importance of protecting waterways, stating that water is the very essence of life and that without it, life itself could not exist. The event served to educate youth and future generations about the profound importance of water stewardship, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility for its protection.

Community Engagement and Indigenous Perspectives

Paula Kent, a Thunder Bay resident, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate. She highlighted the importance of honoring the waters and recognizing the sacred role of elders in guiding such practices, encouraging others to embrace similar ceremonies.

Kent stressed the significance of understanding the teachings, stories, and cultural relevance of the land for all people, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, and for future generations. Lakehead University faculty, students, and community members united in this collective effort to foster a deeper understanding of water's significance.

Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in Academia

The event was co-led by a graduate clinical psychology student committee and co-chaired by PhD student Brittany Skov and Dr. Christopher Mushquash from the university. Skov, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, underscored the immense value of the series.

She particularly noted the opportunity for students to learn from individuals often underrepresented in traditional academic spaces. Skov recalled a prior talk with Dr. Brenda Restoule, an Anishinaabe clinical psychologist, opened by Elder Gene Nowegejick, which explored integrating Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge within psychology.

These discussions delved into understanding Anishinaabe perspectives on wellness and the significant impact of land-based activities on overall well-being. The primary objective of the series was to strengthen the relationship with water, acknowledging its life-giving properties and the challenges it currently faces.

A Call to Action for Water Protection

Throughout the ceremony, Elder De Corte highlighted the numerous threats facing our vital waterways. The event was organized to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of water and its protection, serving as more than just a symbolic gesture—it was a direct call to action.

Participants engaged in various activities, including gathering by the lake, offering prayers and songs, and physically walking along the water's edge. They were encouraged to reflect on the relationship between humans and water and to consider how they could personally contribute to its protection.

By focusing on educating youth, the university demonstrates a long-term vision to empower future generations with the knowledge and passion needed to become dedicated stewards of the water. This initiative also signifies Lakehead University's commitment to reconciliation, recognizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

The ceremony offered a unique opportunity to learn, connect with the land, and become more aware of pressing environmental issues. By creating a space for such activities, Lakehead University is actively contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for the community and beyond.