The Accord

Our Creation stories speak of how our people were placed on Mother Earth by the Creator. Our ancestors have inhabited Lake Winnipeg basin since time immemorial, long before the current political boundaries were drawn. Our spiritual and cultural connections to our Mother Earth are evident by our willingness to embrace the responsibility of protecting and preserving the land and waters.

Traditional teachings and modern science combine to strengthen our historical understanding that water is the life-blood of our Mother Earth. Indigenous women continue their role as protectors and keepers of the water. Ceremonial teachings are reminders of our heritage, they are of our current peoples, and they are treasured gifts that we hand to our children.

When considering matters of great importance, we are taught to think about seven generations ahead. We also are taught that each of us is someone’s seventh generation. We must continually ask ourselves what we are leaving for our seventh generation.

We understand that the whole earth is an interconnected ecosystem. The health of one part affects the health and well-being of the whole. It is our spiritual and cultural responsibility to protect our waters in order to help protect the whole Mother Earth.