Water First

I feel so deeply connected to the idea of humans supporting the restoration and preservation of traditional lands. Land and water are our lifelines. And personally, surrounding myself in the natural world makes me feel so connected to my humanity, and it causes me to slow down and halt all thoughts of dizzying progress. Our environmental health is not only important to our physical health, but also to our mental health and overall wellbeing. 

We are living on land that was once harmonious with nature. Humans were included in this harmony. On Canadian land (the land I am from), the native peoples left very few traces of their 10000-20000 years of existence. They were of the land and for the land (and still are/would be if given the choice).

Abhorrently, a large part of why we no longer see many of their ancestors is due to mass colonial genocide. But when I say they left very few traces, I am talking about the building of massive structures that require deforestation. We do not see monuments of their important leaders. We do not have their books explaining who we are and why we exist or images or mementos of their craft skills. We have proof of their existence but the rest of the land feels untouched. They were able to live here for such a long time using trade instead of capitalism, cultivating the land without taking excess, thriving in harsh weather conditions, and uplifting their citizens by giving them a specific purpose based on their skills. What a beautiful way to live. 

In supporting this fundraiser you will help Water First combine traditional knowledge with environmental science to encourage local land stewardship.

Water First partners with Indigenous communities on projects that address current priorities. Their approach of connecting technical skills training and traditional knowledge with hands-on experience is what sets Water First apart.

Through consultations with communities and their First Nations Advisory Council, they have developed restoration projects that rehabilitate waterways to reduce runoff or erosion and increase local fish populations. Young adults learn skills that help their communities to best manage their water resources. Baseline water quality and contaminant studies train young adults on environmental sampling methods. Communities get an analysis of their environmental water quality and information about potential exposure to contaminants through water or eating traditionally harvested foods.

In supporting this fundraiser you will help Water First combine traditional knowledge with environmental science to encourage local land stewardship.

 

 

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/help-raise-funds-awareness-for-water-first-via-lib/