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 Indigenous Studies Department Joins with Nbi-Kweg to Organize Rice Lake Women’s Mission Walk May 8 and 9FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Event designed to raise awareness of importance and sacredness of water Friday, May 7, 2010, Peterborough As a means of raising awareness of the importance and sacredness of water, Trent University’s Indigenous Studies Department is joining forces with Nbi-Kweg, a group of women (Anishinaabe-kweg) from the Kawarthas who have been taking part in Full Moon Ceremony and blessing the Otonabee River every spring, to organize a Mission Walk around Rice Lake on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9. “We believe that water is sacred to us and that the women need to take care and bless it. Women are responsible for the blessing of the water because they are the nurturers. Women carry life and water is life,” said Shirley Williams, Aboriginal elder and professor emeritus of Indigenous Studies at Trent, who co-organizing the event with Liz Osawamick. “The women are taking a stand and walking around Rice Lake to bring awareness to the water issue.” The walk was inspired by a “Water Matters” community workshop by Trent University chancellor Dr. Tom Jackson in April. All are welcome to participate. The Mission Walk starts on Saturday, May 8 at 6:30 a.m. with a water blessing and the walking will begin at 7:00 a.m. in Hiawatha First Nation at the Old Railroad Restaurant. The walk concludes on Sunday, May 9. Participants are encouraged to bring drums and shakers. The organizers ask that women wear a skirt and all participants bring a reusable water bottle. Vehicles and water will be following for walkers who require breaks and refreshment and participants are encouraged to join along the walk at any point in time. -30- For more information, please contact: Liz Osawamick, (705) 872-2541 or Ozamik@hotmail.com; or |
