Water Walk Protocols

Nga Zhichige Nibi Onji — I will do it for the water.

Please read this page carefully before participating.

The All Nations Grand River Water Walk will take place September 20 to 25, 2026 in leap-frog fashion. Each day, the walk begins before sunrise with an opening ceremony. Once the walking begins, the copper pail and "Little Boy" eagle staff are carried by one pair of core walkers for 300 to 500 metres and then passed to the next pair of walkers. In this fashion, the water and walkers flow continuously until touchdown, when there is a ceremony and sharing circle.

CORE WALKERS make a commitment to walk the entire duration (five days). Their food and accommodations are provided so that they can focus their attention on the many days of the ceremony. The core walkers carry the pail and staff during the water walk.

COMMUNITY WALKERS are invited to walk behind the core walkers and take part in morning and afternoon ceremonies. They can walk for an hour, a half-day or longer. Interested in learning more? Attend our virtual session for community walkers on September 8th at 7:00 p.m. Contact grandriverwaterwalk@gmail.com to register.

Respect the Water Walk's Anishinaabe protocols:

We encourage ceremonial attire. Long skirts or pants and shirts with sleeves are worn during the walk.
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted.
Each person carries Asemaa (tobacco) to offer to any flowing streams or rivers they cross.
Asemaa is also laid down for any dead animals or birds.
Women on their moon-time (menstruating) are asked to pray for the water from home, as they are already in ceremony.
Women carry the copper pail. Men carry the eagle feather staff, but if there are no males in attendance, grandmothers may carry the staff.
Always respect the territory that you are traveling through.
Remember why you are here. This walk is about Nibi (the water).

Instructions for Community Walkers:

If you are joining the walk after we have started for the day, check the SPOT GPS for our location.
Please do not attend if you are menstruating, as you are already in ceremony.
Bring a tobacco offering tied in a small square of red cloth. You will also need a small pouch of tobacco.
Wear a reflective vest or clothing. Pack snacks, lunch and drinking water.
Everyone is welcome at the community feast following touchdown. Bring some food for yourself and a feast bundle (reusable plate, bowl, cutlery, cup).

When you arrive for the day, please go directly to the Grandmother Van to offer your tobacco. You will also need to smudge and wait for further instructions.

Always wait for the pail to pass before joining the walk. Do not approach from the front.
You will walk behind the core walkers two-by-two and in front of the Grandmother Van.
Be cautious, safety always comes first. Walk on the outside of the white line closest to the shoulder.
If you bring children, keep them close to your side and away from the road.
Keep the pace and stay with the group at all times.
Stay in ceremony. Please do not chat, ask others to teach you songs, or disturb the core walkers.
Do not take photographs during the walk until after touchdown. It is a space of ceremony.

You are responsible for your own transportation. We cannot offer rides or carpooling with core walkers.
You must team up with another community walker to move in leap-frog fashion. This means taking turns walking and driving one car, then returning to pick up the second car at day’s end.
Ensure that you have a full tank of gas. You are responsible for your gas costs.
Always park on the left side of the road. Do not turn on four-way flashers.
Do not stop in the middle of the highway for any reason — pull over if needed.

Community walkers that choose to walk over several days must arrange their own accommodation.

Carry what you learn from Nibi and the All Nations Grand River Water Walk to your community.

Learn more by attending our virtual meeting for Community Walkers on September 8th at 7:00 p.m.

Contact grandriverwaterwalk@gmail.com to register.

Instructions for Core Walkers:

Please bring Asemma (tobacco) for the walk, a reusable water bottle and feast bundle (plate, bowl, cutlery, cup).
You are welcome to wear ceremonial regalia.
Safety always comes first. We will provide a reflective safety vest to wear during the walk. First aid and drinking water are available from the Scouts.

Be ready and prepared when Nibi and the Staff come to you.
Nibi is handed off first. Pass the Staff and Nibi in FRONT of the vehicle.
When carrying Nibi, keep looking forward, don’t stop walking, and don’t turn your head to look behind. If something is dropped, the Staff Carrier can pick it up for you.

Staff Carriers: You are the eyes and ears for the walkers and the water.
Staff Carriers: Offer Asemaa when you walk by rivers or streams and when you walk by a dead animal/bird.

Core walkers park on the right side of the road. Community walkers park on the left side.
Always park at the front of the line-up and keep your vehicle placed in rotation.
Do not stop in the middle of the highway to talk — pull over if needed.
Do not park in the middle of curves, bridges, or hills, even if it means a slightly longer walk.
Turn the vehicle's hazard lights on while parked. Before moving, put on your seat belt, turn off the hazards, and use the turn signal.

You are welcome to take breaks, but please check to see that enough core walkers remain.
If you must leave the rotation for longer than a bathroom break, use your own vehicle (not someone else's).
If you smoke, do not leave filters on the land; carry a cigarette butt holder.
Be respectful of other people’s belongings and vehicles. Always smoke outside, not in the vehicles.
If food/snacks are out, they are shareable. If you don’t want others to eat something, please put it away.
Keep track of your belongings and return any that you find.

Carry what you learn from Nibi to your community.

Gchi’miigwech for your beautiful work for Nibi!

Photo: Grand River Conservation Authority