Mother Earth Water Walkers to be greeted in Shoal Lake #39

The chief and community of Iskatewizaagegan (Shoal Lake #39) will welcome the Mother Earth Water Walkers May 27 as they journey to Bad River, Wisc.
Starting in April the Mother Earth Water Walkers, led by Elder Josephine Mandamin, began from each of the four directions – Machias, Maine (East), Churchill, Man. (North), Aberdeen, Wash. (West) and Gulfport, Miss. (South). The walkers are ending their walk in Bad River, Wisc. June 10, a central point on the continent.
After having a vision, Mandamin decided to do something about the deteriorating conditions of all water to bring awareness and to restore the spiritual connection between humans and the waters.
She began with Lake Superior in 2003. She has since walked around Lakes Michigan, Huron, Ontario, Erie, and the St. Lawrence River.
“We who live here have had to pay a heavy price for the cost of Canada’s economic development,” said a May 24 press release from Iskatewizaagegan. “Our once pristine waters are now wholly polluted and we must use water filtration to have drinking water. The damage left behind by the timber and mining companies includes increased mercury levels, poisonous hills of tailings from the mines and the introduction of invasive species.”
The community said it is now in negotiations with the federal and Ontario governments to address flooding and damages that have occurred in its territory.
Coun. Fawn Wapioke, community lead for addressing water issues, has joined the Mother Earth Walkers. She and other community members will escort them to Iskatewizaagegan where ceremonies and a feast will be held to honour the walkers.