KOW V:
Water of Life

Thank you to the Keepers, speakers, and attendees of the Keepers of the Water V Watershed Gathering, held in Lac Brochet, MB, August 10-14, 2011

Northlands Denesuline Nation and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak are grateful to all participants and guests for the success of the 5th Annual Keepers of the Water Gathering, held in northern Manitoba August 10-14, 2011. Our theme was Water of Life.

Building on the previous four Keepers of the Water Conferences in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, this year’s conference sought to develop a model of northern water conservation and protection in Manitoba designed and implemented jointly by First Nations and northern leadership, technical and academic experts as well as grassroots northern residents.

Resolutions

Resolution I. Location of the Keepers of the Water VI
Whereas: Keepers of the Water conferences have now taken place in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba;

Therefore be it resolved that: The Keepers of the Water (KOTW) VI conference should be convened in the Yukon. Pending acceptance by the Council of Yukon First Nations no later than September 14, 2011;

Further be it resolved that: Failure to accept by September 15, 2011 will result in the KOTW VI being awarded to the Prince Albert Grand Council in Saskatchewan.

Finally be it resolved that: The 2013 KOTW VII be awarded to the Dene Nation in the NWT and the 2014 KOTW be awarded to British Columbia for ease of planning.

Resolution II. Northern Manitoba Watershed Council
Whereas: Assembled at the Keepers of the Water V in Lac Brochet, MB, we have heard testimonials of the damage to the environment and the health of northern peoples, and the immense growing threats for their future;
Whereas: There is no existing watershed council for northern Manitoba;

Whereas: there is no existing watershed monitoring structure for northern Manitoba;

Be it resolved that: The Keepers of the Water V supports the creation of a Northern Watershed Council that will include the Hudson Bay, and Arctic Ocean drainage basins and recommend Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc (MKO) implement this action.

Resolution III. Clean Water Stewardship
Whereas: Clean water and clean environment is a necessity for all life;

Whereas: Need to address water at the local, regional, national and international level;

Whereas: Collective stewardships to Mother Earth is our responsibility;

Therefore be it resolved that: Keepers of the Water V conference recommend a review of all the minutes to date, resolutions and recordings to highlight the major recommendations.

Further be it resolved that: The information be documented into a comprehensive report for the Keepers of the Water VI conference.

Report on the Gathering from The Dominion

Listening to the Elders at Keepers of the Water V Conference by Radha D’Souza