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.
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.
Opening Ceremony, September 20
Honour Nibi and wish our walkers a safe journey! Please join us on September 20 for the opening ceremony of the All Nations Grand River Water Walk. We will gather at 8:00 a.m. in Port Maitland by the mouth of the river where she empties into Lake Erie.
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.
Without water, there is no coffee!
The All Nations Grand River Water Walk is selling custom coffee roasted by Cavan Coffee. This gourmet treat is a Brazilian medium roast, with flavours of peanut and dry tobacco. There are only 9 bags are remaining. First come, first served!
Cost: $25 for ¾ lb. whole beans
Pre-order by emailing grandriverwaterwalk@gmail.com; pay by e-transfer (preferred) or exact cash; pick up in Kitchener by September 12 or immediately after the opening ceremony in Port Maitland.
Join our email list for updates about the upcoming water walk.