‘Little Turtle Walk’ with Josephine Manadamin

Submitted by Sue Chiblow

On November 5, 2015, the Naamwe Kendassing Child Care Centre of Whitefish River First Nation hosted a “Little Turtle Water Walk” with Nokomis Josephine Mandamin. The young participants smudged prior to the beginning of the water walk and each female had a turn in carrying the water in the copper vessel up the hill to the Community Health Station.

Nokomis Josephine stressed the importance of us re-learning our responsibilities to the waters and the urgency of caring for the waters today. She said “We all have a very important role and responsibility to care for the waters”. When visiting with the Elders, it was decided that another water walk is needed and will happen in the spring.

The participants started out very enthusiastic with many questions as to what we were doing. It was explained that we were carrying the water to remember our responsibilities to respect and care for the waters. The water walk was initiated as part of Whitefish River First Nation’s development of its source water protection plan and the day ended with a small feast at the Health Centre.

Nokomis Josephine spent the day in the community by first receiving gifts from Chief Shinning Turtle, participating in the water walk, sharing teachings with the young people at the Shawanosowe School, and visiting with the local Elders talking about the waters.