06/06/2026
What an honour for the invitation to be part of this amazing event, "We All Are Water Protectors Gathering 2026" in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
People from the four directions of North America came together to share knowledge and carry forward the voices of our ancestors, guiding us on how to respect, protect, and care for the vital waters of our world—especially across North America, the home of Indigenous Peoples and many others who have arrived from around the world.
This is a land and sea that we share and live on together—from North to South, South to North, and West to East. Across the lands of North America, including the special territories in the far North, known by some as the land of the "White Star"—Canada—water flows through lakes, rivers, and oceans, providing clean, natural water that sustains all life.
Thank you to everyone from , , and . Special thanks to Elder-in-Residence Dr. Catherine Brooks (Peduhbun Migizi Kwe), Robin Buyers, and all members for this meaningful Call to Action. Your life experiences, wisdom, and commitment to water protection inspire us all.
Thank you as well to all! Elder Mary Lou Smoke, Obaajiwan Anishnaabe Kwe., Grandmother Kim Wheatley, Shawanaga Anishinaabe Kwe., Firekeeper Johnny Moore, GTA Every Child Matters., Pamela Devonshire and her daughter, Stephanie Wiart Tyendinaga Mohawk. MP Leslie Curch., Mushkegowuk Cree Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin with Juno Award Winner Lawrence Martin, Vern Cheechoo and Sherry Weistche.Singers, Writer & Ilustrator of the Water Walker Joanne Robertson, Atikameksheng Anishnawbe Kwe. Artists facilitators H (annah) Kryworuchko and Aysia Tse. Researchers, Dr Mariko Uda autor of Were does it all come from? Where does it all go?, Speakers Giidaakunadaad Nancy Rowe, Michizaagiig,Ojibwe, Anishinaabe Kwe and Dr Bonnie Mc Elhinny (University of Toronto) in defense of water. Biinaagami: Greate Lakes Giant Floor Map with Kanyen'keha:ka geographer, Katie Doreen., Patricia Stirbys, Cowessess First Nation, Co-founder, of National Healing Forest Initiative, Cheff Reva-Marie Peters-Ackroyd, Salish of Skookumchuk First Nation and all IPSG Volunteers, CNU Monarch Butterflies and all Organizations to show us how to respect, care for, and support water protectors across Turtle Island.
Let us remember a simple truth:
Without clean water, we cannot grow our plants or provide safe drinking water for people, animals, insects such as Monarch butterflies, and all living creatures on Earth. Without clean water, many of our food sources disappear, and we lose the ability to nourish ourselves with healthy food from the land and waters.
But we must act now.
Positive actions and meaningful change cannot wait. Human habits, pollution, and unchecked ambitions can damage the lands and waters we share faster than ever before. This is an important moment for all people around the world.
As Robin Buyers and many of the guest speakers made clear, these territories must be protected.
"The actions we take today can change our future. If we still don't understand this, what future are we choosing?"
— Coach Lumy Fuentes C
Today, June 8, is World Oceans Day.
Songs by the Breathing Lands -
