For generations, the Mackenzie River and its connected waterways have been a vital source of life for Indigenous communities, providing clean drinking water, transportation, and sustenance. However, these waters are now facing unprecedented threats.
In this poignant testimony, James L. Antoine, a lifelong river user from Santa Clara (Fort Simpson), shares his deep connection to the land and water, recounting cherished childhood memories of swimming, fishing, and drinking directly from the Mackenzie. He expresses profound concern over the alarming contamination caused by industrial activities upstream, particularly from Fort McMurray. Reports of spills from oil extraction processes and the mismanagement of toxic wastewater are wreaking havoc on this precious resource.
With water levels at historic lows and pollution rising, Jim highlights the urgent need for action to protect our rivers for future generations. He stresses that water is not merely a resource but a fundamental human right, essential for the survival of countless communities along the Mackenzie River—communities like Jean Marie River, Wrigley, and Fort Good Hope.
As contaminants seep into the water system, Jim voices his fear for the future, especially for his grandchildren and the well-being of his community. The ramifications of pollution extend far beyond Fort McMurray, impacting municipalities that rely on the Mackenzie for drinking water and threatening the health of ecosystems and wildlife.
To learn more about Jim, click the link to his bio.
In this inspiring video, Jim Antoine – Board of Director, shares his profound connection to water and its sacred role in sustaining all life. He reflects on the teachings of his ancestors, who taught him that water is not just a resource—it is a living spirit that nourishes, heals, and connects us all.
Jim speaks about the many ways water shapes our daily lives and the deep responsibility we have to protect it. He reminds us that just as water flows through the land, it also flows through our bodies, making us inseparable from the natural world. Water is sacred, and every drop carries the memory of generations before us.
Join us in honoring Jim’s wisdom and the vital role water plays in our lives. Together, we must protect this precious gift for future generations.
To learn more about Jim, click the link to his bio.
Thinking about swimming, being a little bit afraid. My dad told me: “Remember, if you love the water, the water will always love you and take care of you.” So I would go to the water and say, “I love you. I love you. I love you.” I was really little—I don’t even know how little. And I don’t know why that memory just came back. Without water, we wouldn’t be here. There would be no life. I remember the call during Standing Rock: “Water is life.” Water is the spirit of Mother Earth. She is everything. The Earth wouldn’t even be alive without her. Nothing would be alive. Even before we are born, we live in water for nine months. And when we come into this world, we come from that water. Water is everything. It is life. Without it, we will not survive. For every gallon of gas and oil, it takes five gallons of water. So if you are taking that water away, what are you doing to life? Humans think about what we need—water, land, trees—but we don’t think about our relationship with them. We are just a part of something much bigger. And if that water is going away, it is taking everything with it. It is affecting all life. You can see it. You can see how the water is disappearing and how that affects everything—the ecosystem, the animals we rely on. Plastics rise into the air, come down in the rain, and seep into the water. The toxins create sickness, deformities, tumors. Any animal that disappears disrupts the balance. They say climate change started when the first settlers arrived when they brought foreign trees, when the buffalo were taken away. That balance was broken, and trauma was created. Taking the water away is taking life away.
In this powerful film, the wisdom of Elder Sue Deranger flows like the sacred waters she speaks of, carrying messages of urgency, resilience, and deep-rooted Indigenous knowledge. Through intimate storytelling and reflections from the Elders Wisdom Council in Regina, Treaty 4, Sue shares a lifetime of understanding about the interconnectedness of water, land, and all living beings.
From childhood memories of whispering love to the water to standing in solidarity at Standing Rock, Sue’s words remind us that water is not just a resource—it is life itself. Through stunning cinematography capturing the natural beauty of the land and the devastating impacts of environmental destruction, the film takes viewers on a journey of awakening. It challenges human supremacy, questions the failures of colonial governance, and calls for a return to traditional ways of living in balance with the Earth.
Featuring powerful moments from international climate gatherings and personal encounters with industry-driven environmental harm, Water is Life is both a warning and a call to action. Elders and youth alike are urged to remember, resist, and reclaim their roles as protectors of the land.
A heartfelt message to future generations echoes throughout the film: Do not be afraid. Use your voice. Protect the water. Protect Mother Earth. She will survive, but will we?
In this poignant video, Wisdom Councillor Cleo Reece shares her deep connection to water and the lands of her childhood. She recalls cherished memories of swimming in Willow Lake, where water was not just a source of life but a place of joy, sustenance, and tradition. From drinking and washing to ice fishing and berry picking, water has always been central to Indigenous ways of life.
As Cleo reflects on the present, she speaks with deep sadness about the devastation caused by oil sands operations. She describes the destruction of forests, wetlands, and waterways, emphasizing the urgent need for monitoring and action to protect water for future generations.
With reverence, she reminds us of the sacredness of water, its life-giving force, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Cleo calls for Indigenous voices to be at the forefront of decision-making in water protection, advocating for a collaborative approach that respects traditional knowledge and cultural values.
Through Cleo’s words, stunning aerial footage, and personal anecdotes, this video serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to safeguard water. Join us in listening to the wisdom of our elders and taking action to protect this sacred resource for generations to come.
to view learn more about Cleo, click the link here
The river that runs through our community has always been a source of life, a constant presence shaping our way of living. I grew up mesmerized by its power, never imagining that one day, it could be in danger. But today, industrial processes are poisoning our waters, harming the fish we eat, the birds we harvest, and the plants we use for medicine. Toxic waste from oil sands and other industries flows downstream, devastating the land and our people.
Despite these threats, Canada, the provinces, and industry continue to neglect water protection. There are no real standards, no enforcement of regulations—polluters are free to poison the land and water without consequence. This is not just an issue for today; it is the defining fight of our generation.
Water is not infinite. We must act now to protect it for future generations. The youth must rise, understand the impact, and demand action. Clean water is a right, and we will not stop fighting for it.
To view Gerry’s bio click the link https://www.keepersofthewater.ca
Water is the source of all life. Yet, industries and regulators continue to exploit it without accountability, putting our future at risk. Without strong enforcement and responsible management, our clean water supply is threatened.
As Indigenous youth, we must step up. We need to understand the impact of industrial processes on our communities and recognize that water is not infinite. If we don’t protect it now, future generations will suffer. - Gerry cheezie
