This year’s United Nations World Water Day theme is Accelerating Change to help solve the global water and sanitation crisis.
In preparation for United Nations World Water Day on March 23, volunteers from across the Twin Saults have come together as ‘Water Wise’, a diverse network of freshwater advocates, amplifying voices and choices for water, to prepare the third annual local series of events to encourage people to learn about water conservation and take action.
Water Wise hopes people will see water in a different way and recognize that everyone has a role to play in respecting and protecting water for generations to come, the organization said in a news release.
The UN urges individuals and groups to make a personal commitment to water. These promises from individuals, schools, businesses, and communities will contribute to the Water Action Agenda alongside larger commitments from governments, corporations, organizations, institutions, and coalitions.
Using an ancient story from the Quechua people in Peru, of a hummingbird who carries drops of water to put out a great forest fire, this year's World Water Day campaign encourages people to do what they can to solve the water and sanitation crisis in their own communities.
Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma Region’s local World Water Day celebration kicks off with an official proclamation by the Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie live on YouTube at 4:30 p.m. during the March 20 city council meeting.
On Wednesday, March 22 the public is encouraged to participate in a series of binational events, including:
- Student Activity: 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Three elementary classes will participate in an in-person water teaching at the Art Gallery of Algoma where they will present offerings to the river, in a session led by Shirley Horn, from the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) and Joanie McGuffin, from the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy. Students will learn to connect deeper and get to know Nibi (water in Anishinaabemowin) better.
- Film Screening and Panel Discussion: 4:30 p.m. - Lake Superior State University's Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) will present a special showing of the film ‘Lake Superior Our Helper: Stories from Batchewanaung Anishinabek Fisheries’. Doors open at 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., at the CFRE Seminar Room at 4:30 PM with the documentary screening at 5 PM. A panel discussion and refreshments will follow. Admission is free and any questions can be sent to [email protected].
- Community Presentation: 7 to 8:30 p.m. - World Water Day wraps up with a virtual community conversation with local scientists and water advocates. To register for the virtual presentation click here. Speakers include:
- Candace Day Neveau, Co-founder of Baawaating Water Protectors, “Guidance from an Anishinaabe Fisherman's Granddaughter”. She urges everyone to, “keep the waters clean and the air pristine”
- Dr. Paula Cypas Antunes (she/her), Senior Research Scientist, Nautilus Environmental, “Contaminants of Concern: Challenges & Remediation”
- Dr. Michael Twiss (he,him/il,lui), Dean, Faculty of Science, Algoma University: “Our Relationship with the Great Lakes”
For more information about Water Wise visit www.freshwaterwise.com.
