Singing to the Water: Water and Ancestors Honored on May 14 Nibi Walk

On May 14, we went for a wonderful water walk along the Winooski River, at the place of the 12 falls. This is a gathering place where, for generations, people have caught the migrating fish for food. Coltsfoot, a Spring plant that loves to grow on stream banks, is high in salt and was traditionally used to preserve the fish so that it could be enjoyed throughout the year. Of course, these practices were always grounded in giving thanks for the abundance of food in this area.

There was a soft drizzle that fell on us as we walked. It was so gentle and refreshing as we watched the water flow over the falls. These are the places where our ancestors would walk across the river when the water is low in the summer.

As we continued to walk and talk to the water, we saw many friends. My favorite was the fiddleheads. Yum!!! My second favorite was the mama and papa Canada goose with their six babies. We also saw a baby bunny and many birds. The babies are camouflaged in the fine sand that dots the shoreline. It totally helps you to understand their coloring. The babies blend in so well as mama guards them.

We sang the honor song for the water, left a gift of tobacco and heirloom seeds from our garden, said goodbye to our new friends, and walked back the way we came. So healing. Our hope is like the seed gifts we shared with the water. They will soften as they flow and grow further downstream. 

The Nibi Water walks were started by Ojibwa Grandmothers. The First grandmother has passed on and many women across the country have continued the walk to show respect for the water. Each May 14, we honor the water by walking beside a river, lake or pond. We carry tobacco to leave where the water is running quickly and, if possible, we wear a long skirt for ceremony. You can honor the water, too. Sing a song or just talk to the water. 

Our friends Patricia walked along Crystal Lake in Vermont and Lindsay walked to the cemetery at Indian Township, which overlooks the St. Croix River in Maine. I've included the beautiful love song that Patricia wrote to Stickney Brook a few years back. 

Pray for the water and pray for ourselves so that we might be good caretakers. 

-Judy Dow