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Assembly of First Nations (AFN) – Water Walk

Jul 14 - 14, 2025
In-PersonRBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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About the Event Assembly of First Nations (AFN) - Water Walk

Water is life. It sustains all beings and connects past, present, and future generations. First Nations have long held responsibilities for protecting water through prayer, ceremony, and gratitude. A Water Walk is a ceremony that reflects our relationship with water and our ongoing responsibility to protect it for future generations.

The AFN will host its first Annual Water Walk on Monday, July 14, 2025, during the AFN Annual General Assembly (AGA). The walk is an opportunity to come together in recognition of our shared responsibilities to water and the land.

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The AFN Water Walk is open to First Nations Chiefs, Knowledge Keepers, AFN Council Members, First Nations individuals, government officials, and partners. The walk will begin at the RBC Convention Centre and proceed to the Assiniboine River, continuing east along the river to Oodena Circle at The Forks, where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. A short ceremony will take place before participants return as a group to the Convention Centre.

How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.

Event Overview

This year, at the AFN Annual General Assembly (AGA), the Water Walk will be introduced as an annual tradition. This initiative builds upon Resolution 58/2022, Support for an Annual AFN Water Walk, which recognizes the AFN’s commitment to water stewardship. The Water Walk is also supported by Resolution a, Support for First Nations Inherent Rights, Title and Jurisdiction of Water Stewardship. Incorporating the Water Walk into the AGA ensures that water protection remains central to discussions and will allow this important ceremony to be carried out across Turtle Island. The Water Walk will unite First Nations leadership, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, youth, and allies, reinforcing the sacred connection between water, land, and people.

The AFN Water Walk is open to First Nations Chiefs, Knowledge Keepers, AFN Council Members, First Nations individuals, and government officials and partners. The walk will begin at the RBC Convention Centre and proceed to the Assiniboine River, continuing east along the river to Oodena Circle at The Forks, where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. A short ceremony will be held before returning to the Convention Centre.

The ceremony will include:

  • An Eagle Staff, to be carried by a member of the host First Nation or another designated Eagle Staff Carrier.
  • Water songs and prayers, shared in the language of the host First Nation.
  • The ceremonial carrying of water in an open copper vessel is a core component of the ceremony. Traditionally, this role is carried out by women, reflecting their connection to water as life-givers. The host First Nation will determine who will carry the water.
  • A tobacco offering, led by a Knowledge Keeper, Elder, or designated ceremonial leader. The timing and protocol will follow the guidance of the host First Nation.

Registration

The AFN Water Walk is open to First Nations Chiefs, Knowledge Keepers, AFN Council Members, First Nations individuals, and government officials and partners. To attend the AFN Water Walk, please register using the link below:

For assistance with registration or technical support, please email [email protected].

Event Details

An agenda will be shared closer to the event. Participants are encouraged to wear traditional regalia or attire (such as ribbon skirts or ribbon shirts) that aligns with their cultural protocols. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for outdoor conditions. Caring for Mother Earth includes caring for ourselves, please bring water (reusable bottles preferred), sunscreen, bug repellent, and any other items needed to stay comfortable and safe.

Location: RBC Convention Center to Assiniboine River-Oodena Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  (approximately 2 hours)

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Transportation will be arranged for Elders and others requiring assistance. For information, please email Jamie Lavigne. Parking will also be made available. More information to be available soon.

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Background

Since time immemorial, First Nations have understood water as more-than-human, existing in a reciprocal relationship that must be respected. Traditionally, First Nations women have been recognized as water protectors and carriers, holding a sacred responsibility to safeguard water for future generations. Their role in carrying, nurturing, and advocating for water remains central to the ceremonial movement of Water Walks today.

In 2003, Grandmothers of the Great Lakes, led by Josephine Mandamin, came together to answer the call of the water. Later that year, they walked around Lake Superior and, in the years that followed, around all of the Great Lakes. This work raised awareness of our sacred responsibility to water and led to a Water Walk movement, through which many lakes, rivers, and streams across Turtle Island have been prayed for, sung to, and walked. 

The Water Walk, as a ceremonial movement, remains a grassroots initiative that brings together women, men, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people to strengthen relationships between one another and with the water. These walks serve as opportunities to foster unity, empowerment, and advocacy, reinforcing that water protection is essential to the health and well-being of all life.

Contact Information

For additional information or assistance, please email Jamie Lavigne at [email protected].

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