Walkers pray for Georgian Bay

By Lisa Abel

MUNSEE-DELAWARE NATION – Christian Island narrowly averted a state of emergency due to low water levels in Georgian Bay, Beausoleil First Nation citizen Vicki Monague warned Anishinabek Nation Chiefs at their 2013 Grand Council Assembly.

“With a number of people in the community suffering from a number of health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, the low water levels pose a critical problem,” said Monague.   “There is risk of loss of lives if people can’t be transported to access medical care.”

Monague, along with citizens from 11 First Nations, will participate in Minidoo Gaaming Bimooseyang – Spirit Lake Water Walk around Georgian Bay on Friday, June 21, celebrated by many as National Aboriginal Day..

She hopes this will  “wake people up” and raise awareness about the way water is used.

“It is the most sacred gift we have,” Monague said.

Monague, a former member of the Anishinabek  Women’s Water Commission, says the Georgian Bay water walk will depart from Cedar Point and will go east to west in “a sacred route that Creator has given us.” The walkers plan to stop at Anishinabek sacred spots along the way.

“Our survival is completely dependent on water, it is an elemental force that sees beyond race,” she says. “This is an issue of humanity that will affect everyone who resides near these waters. In friendship and unity, we ask you to please join us, whether it be in person, in Spirit or through support of your choice, as we carry the prayers for the water of Georgian Bay.  Thousands of people depend on the health and wellness of these waters and we must protect it for our children and future generations.”

For more information  contact Vicki_monague@live.ca or 705-828-4688.