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 Waters’ Annual Gathering is vital to ensure ongoing communication is occurring and supported in Indigenous communities about Water, traditional knowledge and how to move forward. These are meaningful, not only for the community that hosts the Gathering but to the many others who travel to attend these gatherings. This has helped KOW to build unity and a stronger voice.

Every year, there is a different theme, depending on the community and the issues, concerns, or topics the community would like to discuss. Often, the Gathering lasts two or three days and includes education, report back on research, introduction of solution-based water and land management, techniques to respond to climate change, cultural events and community connections. There is always a focus on Indigenous Governance of Watersheds, and we look to communities to provide the solutions and direction for managing their watersheds, with KOW offering support.

Each year, KOW works with grassroots community people to identify an Indigenous community interested in co-hosting the Annual Gathering. At times, more than one community has put its name forward; the community chosen is the one that has concerns with water-related issues and is willing to take an active role in co-hosting the Gathering.

The Gathering offers support to the community in many ways. It always allows the community to tell their story, and KOW has worked with communities on projects like independent research studies, water and soil testing, health studies, amplifying voices and messages of Indigenous rights, inherent rights and treaty rights, and helping to amplify their concerns and messages, in relation to the water issues at hand. In the bigger picture, it is not just a Gathering but a network-building for immediate and future support.

Please contact us if your community is interested in co-hosting a Keepers of the Water Gathering, or you can fill out this form to apply directly.