Tu' de'gha' Conference Registration

This summer, Keepers of the Water has partnered with Kátł'odeeche First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory, NT and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE). Extreme industrial extraction is severely polluting, depleting, and threatening the Arctic Ocean drainage basin. Indigenous Peoples are left with the devastation of this in their communities and are seeing severe low water levels firsthand. During this time, we will share knowledge and pathways forward by coming together to uphold Indigenous Sovereignty and protect the water and lands for the generations yet to come.

As the first scientists of our territories, we always focus on Indigenous-led governance of watersheds. We look within communities for direction and solutions as this is who is best suited for watershed management within their territories. We offer our support in uplifting Traditional Indigenous Knowledge as the path forward for solutions to fossil fuel-driven climate change chaos.

History of Keepers of the Water Gatherings

Keepers of the Water has co-hosted an Annual Gathering in different Indigenous Communities in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and N.W.T. since 2006. Keepers of the Water’s Annual Gathering ensures meaningful relationship building, communication and allied support for frontline Indigenous communities on water issues, climate disasters, biodiversity threats, and how to move forward on these issues together.

These gatherings are profoundly purposeful for the community that hosts them and for the many other Indigenous attendees who often travel long distances to attend this style of community engagement sessions about water. We strive to help build unity and raise the voices of the frontline communities impacted first by ever-expanding dirty mining mega projects and then by further displacement from our traditional territories. Your presence and contribution are highly valued.

Every year, there is a different theme, depending on the host community’s issues, concerns, or water-related matters the community would like to discuss. Our annual gatherings often last two to three days and include topics such as Indigenous Traditional Knowledge exchange, community water monitoring education and collaboration, reporting on community-led research, cultural events, ceremonies, and nurturing Nation to Nation community connections. Most notable is the sharing of solution-based water and land management techniques in response to fossil fuel-driven climate chaos.

For more information, email Jesse Cardinal, executive director of Keepers of the Water, at ed@keepersofthewater.ca.