National Indigenous Peoples Day: A Call for Allyship
The One Drop Foundation acknowledges First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters since time immemorial. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are with us today, those who have gone before us, and the youth that inspire us.
Today, on June 21, celebrations are taking place across Canada for National Indigenous Peoples Day, honouring the history and vibrant cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It's also an opportunity to look inward and consider how we can be stronger allies in their ongoing journeys.
Let’s reflect on the stories that have been whispered around crackling fires and passed down for generations. The Ojibwe people speak of Turtle Island—a land born following a great flood that had been unleashed by the Creator. The Haudenosaunee recount tales of the Sky Woman falling to a water-covered Earth, and of her children forming the trees and waterways that weave across the continent today.
These stories reveal a universal truth: that water is more than just a resource—it's the lifeblood of the land, sustaining communities and holding deep spiritual significance. Sadly, access to the very essence of life—safe water—remains a challenge for numerous Indigenous communities in Canada.
Cultivating water wisdom through the Indigenous Youth, Art and Water Initiative (IYAWI)
Despite living in one of the world’s most water-rich countries, many Indigenous communities continue to be disproportionately affected by water and climate issues. This not only threatens their health—it disrupts their ability to connect with their heritage through traditional practices.
In 2023, the One Drop Foundation, the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), and partners from the private sector formed the Indigenous Water Allyship: a program that aims to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada in improving living conditions and health through increased knowledge, leadership, and equitable access to safe water. Thanks to Water Impact Partners such as Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, Ovivo, and Power Corporation of Canada, this impact will scale from coast to coast to coast.
Understanding the intrinsic connections between Indigenous cultures and water is central to achieving long-term solutions. The Indigenous Water Allyship is focused on amplifying Indigenous voices through the Indigenous Youth, Art and Water Initiative—an initial phase that leverages artistic expression and community engagement to empower youth in expressing their visions for a water-secure future.
Overcoming adversity through allyship
Across Canada, Young Indigenous Ambassadors are using their creativity to address critical water issues in their communities. Through a blend of traditional and contemporary art forms, these young leaders are:
- Reclaiming culture. Projects like the Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warrior Family Society's wood carving, Caldwell First Nation’s water song ceremony, and the Native Children’s Survival storytelling initiative reconnect youth with ancestral knowledge and traditional relationships with water.
- Raising awareness. From murals by Vines Art Festival, Kativik llisarniliriniq, and Water Movement, to art exhibitions by WAG-Qaumajuq, their projects educate the public about water challenges and inspire action.
- Empowering youth voices for change. Initiatives like the Water Ways Collective's PhotoVoice project and the Indigenous Elders and Youth Council's digital app equip young people to address water issues and advocate for a healthy environment.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is more than a celebration. It’s a chance to connect with Indigenous history and contribute to resilience in the face of one of today’s greatest challenges: the water and climate crisis. Let's harness the power of art and water to empower Indigenous youth, celebrate wisdom, and spark nationwide action for safe water in Canada.
