Photo: Grand River Conservation Authority
All Nations Grand River Water Walk
September 20-25, 2026
The All Nations Grand River Water Walk is an Anishinaabe ceremony based on the teachings of the late Josephine Mandamin, who walked around the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River carrying a a copper pail of water in one hand and an eagle staff in the other. She brought global attention to the sacredness and value of water.
Josephine’s legacy continues to guide us as we walk in gratitude for Nibi (water). We speak, sing, and offer our collective prayers for the health of streams, rivers and lakes.
This year marks a special homecoming. After eight years of walking—two 4-year commitments—we will bring Nibi home.
In the Anishinaabe language, G’giiwemin means “we are all going home.” We honour those who walked before us, as well as the generations who will carry this responsibility forward.
This year, we dedicate our water walk to the late Shirley Williams—Migizi ow kwe-baa—who walked for the water and whose life's work was to keep Anishinaabemowin alive.
Miigwech to Isaac Murdoch for sharing his artwork for this dedication.
Grand River Water Walk online Facebook auction fundraiser, August 4-23
Help support the 2026 water walk by participating in our Facebook auction. Join the group, add people and share!
We truly appreciate the good energy that donors and bidders bring to this online event. Donated items can include handmade and purchased items, as well as services like catered meals and grass-cutting. The money that is collected is used to provide accommodation, food, fuel and medicines for the water walkers.
Visit Grand River Water Walk 2026 Facebook Auction and click on “Featured” for detailed instructions on how to donate and bid on items. The auction begins August 4th at 7:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) and closes on August 23rd at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Donations can be posted throughout the auction until the final day. When bidding, please start a new comment (do not use reply). Payment from winners is expected within 48 hours by PayPal or e-transfer.
Chi' miigwech/thank you for your generosity!
Community Walker Info Session, September 8
People from all Nations are invited to walk behind the core walkers and participate in daily ceremonies during the Grand River Water Walk (September 20 to 25). You can choose to walk for an hour, a half-day or longer.
Email grandriverwaterwalk@gmail.com to register for our virtual session at 7:00 p.m. on September 8th. Learn about the protocols we follow and how to participate. Anishinaabe knowledge keeper, Mary Anne Caibaiosai, will share these important teachings and answer any questions you may have.
Follow the Walk
The 2026 Grand River Water Walk will begin where the river empties into Lake Erie and continue to her source waters near Dundalk. People from all Nations are welcome to walk, sing, and pray for Nibi (water).
Please review our protocols ahead of time. Once you arrive, report to the Grandmother Van to smudge, offer tobacco, and receive further instructions. You will need to bring your own snacks, drinking water, and lunch.
Our walk begins with an opening ceremony each day before sunrise. The Scout will be posting the day's route on Facebook. If you would like to join us, check Spot GPS — the walkers' location will be updated every 10 minutes.
Join our email list for updates about the upcoming water walk.