Artwork by Joey Big Snake | Wide Skied “This work demonstrates an appreciation for water and the connection it has to all life – specifically, the idea of the reflections and how they exist everywhere around us. They are a reminder that there is always a different perspective to be seen and appreciated.“

Since the spring of 2023, the Chiefs Steering Committee (CSC) has been voicing concerns regarding Canada’s recent efforts to enact new clean water legislation for First Nations. This includes a lack of a Treaty-based framework, no binding or agreed upon implementation plan, jurisdictional over-reach, off-loading (“dump and run legislation”) of liabilities and legal obligations, breach of fiduciary obligations, and failure to uphold the Honour of the Crown.  The CSC supports First Nations in the Alberta region through advocacy for strengthened Treaty and inherent rights to water, to walk lockstep with each First Nation. The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs supports the efforts of the CSC via resolutions in September 2023 and October 2024.

On May 23, the CSC team travelled to Crescent Falls, near Sunchild First Nation, to take part in a water ceremony led by Elder Bernice Stoney, Pigeon Lake Indian Reserve 138A in Maskwacis. Water ceremonies were once banned, like all ceremonial, spiritual and cultural protocols of First Nations Peoples under the Indian Act. They weren’t allowed legally until 1951. For 67 years, First Nations Peoples endured the loss of culture, but kept them alive by holding them in secret and sharing the knowledge from generation to generation.

We are proud to share Bernice’s knowledge about water ceremonies, and why they are so important for our future.

Video by Aaron Parker and Aaron Munson
CC: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/