We come from the water, and the water is life. The streams that carried our ancestors’ voices are the same waters we must protect today. Our connection to the Earth runs through our veins—her rivers, our lifeblood; her soil, our sustenance; her forests, our breath. She is the mother of all life, nurturing, abundant, and resilient, yet increasingly fragile under the weight of neglect.
As the waters cradle us into being, they remind us of our duty to care for this planet, for our survival is deeply intertwined with hers. Every drop of water that touches our lips is a connection to an unbroken lineage of life. Every grain of soil beneath our feet anchors us in a web of interconnected existence. Protecting the Earth is not a choice; it is an act of survival, reciprocity, and gratitude.
This Week’s Learning: Celebrating Water Warriors
In our homeschooling journey this week, we are celebrating the courage and determination of Water Warriors—those who fight to protect our sacred water sources. We are especially inspired by the work of Autumn Peltier, the Anishinaabe water protector and advocate for clean water rights.
Autumn teaches us the power of youth voices in environmental activism. As the Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation, she has stood before global leaders, calling for respect and action to protect the world’s water. Her message is simple yet profound: “Water is life.”
Through her example, we’re learning that every voice matters, no matter how young. Her courage ignites a spark in all of us to stand up for our planet and reminds us of the sacred responsibility to care for our earthly mother.
Books to Deepen Understanding
Here are some inspiring books to explore with children:
- “We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom
- A beautifully illustrated story inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect water, this book is a call to action and a tribute to those who defend the planet.
- “Water Walker” by Joanne Robertson
- Follow the journey of Nokomis Josephine Mandamin, an Anishinaabe grandmother who walked thousands of miles to bring awareness to water protection.
- “The Water Princess” by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel
- This tale is based on the childhood of model Georgie Badiel, highlighting the struggles of communities without access to clean water and the resilience of those working to change that.
- “I Am Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior” by Carole Lindstrom (Upcoming Title)
- While this book is currently anticipated, it promises to shed light on the incredible work of Autumn Peltier, empowering young readers to join the cause.
- “Not for Me, Please! I Choose to Act Green” by Maria Godsey
- While not water-specific, this story encourages kids to take small, impactful steps to protect the environment.
An Injustice on Sacred Lands
While we are inspired by Water Warriors, we must also confront the painful reality many Indigenous communities face. In Canada and the United States—countries celebrated as “first world nations”—many Indigenous communities endure conditions that reflect third-world standards.
In 2023, over 30 Indigenous communities in Canada alone remained under long-term boil water advisories, some for decades. This means families cannot safely drink, cook, or bathe using their tap water. In the U.S., Indigenous communities often face water insecurity, lack of proper sanitation, and polluted water sources, with climate change exacerbating these challenges.
This systemic neglect is not an isolated issue; it reflects the broader marginalization Indigenous peoples have endured for centuries. It highlights a failure to honour treaties, respect sovereignty, and provide equitable access to basic human rights. It is a stark reminder that reconciliation requires action, not just words.
Empathy and Action
Understanding these realities is only the first step. Teaching children about these injustices builds empathy and a desire for action. Discussing stories like those of Autumn Peltier and communities living without clean water encourages them to think critically about equity and their role in creating change.
Here are some family actions to consider:
- Advocate Together: Write letters to local officials or sign petitions demanding clean water access for all.
- Support Indigenous Efforts: Donate to organizations working on water rights and sovereignty, such as the Water First Education and Training Program or Nibi’s Water Justice.
- Educate with Respect: Share Indigenous stories, culture, and resilience in your homeschool curriculum while acknowledging the systemic challenges they face.
- Conserve Water: Practice water conservation at home as a reminder of its value and to stand in solidarity with those who live without.
A Sacred Responsibility
We are all connected. Every leaf that falls, every bird that sings, and every wave that crashes carries the whisper of life’s interdependence. This is not just ecological truth; it is a spiritual calling. The Earth, our Great Mother, cradles us all, yet we have strayed far from honoring her gifts.
Through stories like Autumn Peltier’s and the lessons in these books, we are reminded that protecting nature is not only an ecological act but a moral imperative. Let us learn from these warriors and carry their messages forward in our homes, communities, and daily lives.
Together, we hold the power to heal, to protect, and to thrive in harmony with our Mother, the Earth. Let this be our legacy. 🌍💧
