Our Story

Four Foundational Declarations and Resolutions

Between 2006 and 2008, the Keepers of the Water movement adopted four foundational declarations and resolutions that continue to guide our work today. Together, these documents affirm that Water is sacred, all life is interconnected, and Indigenous Peoples have a shared responsibility to protect water for present and future generations.

View or Download the Original Documents

1. 2006 – Keepers of the Water Declaration
Fort Simpson (Liidlii Kųę), Northwest Territories

3. September 2007 – Keepers of the Water II Resolution
Keeping the Peace Conference, Fort St. John, British Columbia

4. 2008 – "Water is Boss" Elders and Youth Resolution
Keepers of the Water III, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

2006 – Keepers of the Water Declaration

The Keepers of the Water movement was born during the first Keepers of the Water Gathering in Liidlii Kųę (Fort Simpson), Northwest Territories, on September 7, 2006.

Northern communities throughout the Deh Cho (Mackenzie) River Basin had become increasingly concerned by reports of declining water quality, increasing turbidity and toxicity, and decreasing water levels. Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members gathered on the shores of the Deh Cho River to discuss the future of the waters that sustain all life.

From this gathering came the Keepers of the Water Declaration, establishing the movement's founding vision:

"Water is a Sacred gift, an essential element that sustains and connects all life. It is not a commodity to be bought or sold. All people share an obligation to cooperate in ensuring that Water, in all its forms, is protected and conserved with regard to the needs of all living things today and for the generations yet to come."

September 2007 – Keepers of the Water II Resolution

Just one month later, participants gathered in Fort St. John, British Columbia, for Keepers of the Water II: Keeping the Peace.

Building upon both the 2006 Declaration and the Elders' Resolutions, participants unanimously adopted the Keepers of the Water II Resolution, committing to establish a watershed-based alliance across the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin.

The resolution supported the creation of local Keepers groups throughout the Peace, Slave, Athabasca, Liard, Hay, and Mackenzie watersheds while advancing the vision of a Canada-wide Keepers of the Water alliance.

2008 – "Water is Boss" Elders and Youth Resolution

At Keepers of the Water III, held in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, Elders and Youth came together once again to review the resolutions adopted during the 2007 Water is Life Conference and the Keepers of the Water II Resolution.

The gathering unanimously reaffirmed its support for those earlier declarations while recognizing the urgent need to move from vision to implementation.

The resolution affirmed that Indigenous Peoples have a sacred relationship with water and the land, protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and recognized that these waters face increasing threats.

It also celebrated the leadership already being demonstrated by the Keepers of the Athabasca and the Keepers of the Water Saskatchewan, acknowledging them as examples of how the Keepers of the Water Declaration and Principles could be successfully put into practice across the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin.

Known as the "Water is Boss" Resolution, this declaration reaffirmed that water is not only sacred—it is the foundation of all life and must guide every decision affecting the lands, waters, and future generations.

Our Commitment Today

Since these formative gatherings, Keepers of the Water has continued to stand alongside Indigenous Nations, Métis communities, Elders, youth, researchers, environmental organizations, and governments to elevate concerns about decisions affecting water—from industrial development and government policy to climate change and watershed protection.

As climate change accelerates and pressures on freshwater increase, Keepers of the Water remains committed to ensuring that Water has a voice.

Water is the source of all life. Elders have long taught that every plant, animal, and person depends on clean water to survive. Access to safe, clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, and every person should have sufficient water to meet their essential needs.