Boozhoo, Hello
Nodin Ikwe ndizhnikaaz. Mukwa ndoodem. Ojibwe-Anishinaabe kwe miinwa niso Midewewin kwe miinwaa ndaaw. Wiikwemkoong Manido minissing miinwaa Sagamok ndoonjibaa. Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe aakiing megwaa ndidaa. Warsaw endayaan.
My English name is Mary Anne Caibaiosai
I am Ojibwe-Anishnaabe kwe, Bear clan, from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Sagamok First Nations. As the Anishinaabe lead for the All Nations Grand River and Credit River water-walks, I follow the protocols and teachings of the late Josephine Mandamin.
Our word for water is Nibi. We understand that water is life, and that without her, we would not be here. She is our relative, and we carry a responsibility to respect and care for her. Our teachings on reciprocity remind us to give back to her for all that she provides so that life remains in balance.
The All Nations Grand River Water Walk is an Anishinaabe ceremony. We walk to connect with Nibi’s spirit and to help her, because she is suffering. It is important that people of all ages, nations and genders come together to walk for Nibi.
This year’s journey completes the final four-year turn of the Medicine Wheel. We honour those who walked before us. G’giiwemin—we will carry Nibi home together. I encourage members of the community to walk behind the core walkers, even if only for a few hours.
If you are unable to join the walk, there are other ways to help. You can participate in our fundraising efforts in May and August and/or attend monthly water ceremonies. Your donations are also welcome!
Nga Zhichige Nibi Onji — we do it for the water.