We did it! After just 3 weeks of running our crowdfunding campaign for the Great Lakes Commons Map, we exceeded our $3,000 goal and currently have $4,601.
The campaign will fund the production and give gratitude for water teachings by Anishinaabe women.
“Help us bring to life several water teachings by Anishinaabe women -- Indigenous women who are powerful cultural leaders for these waters. These stories will teach us how to treat water as a source of life, rather than a resource. With words, photos, and audio or video, these stories will be shared on the Great Lakes Commons Map -- a collaborative map to inspire a deeper and shared connection to the bioregion. All money raised will support the creative and technical production of these teachings and honour the women who carry and share them.”
Project participants include Grandmother Josephine Mandamin, Sue Chiblow, Sylvia Plain, and Becky Big Canoe. Becky describes why this project is important to her:
“We live in a commons of land, water and air and the sun provides our daily fire. These are the pillars that make life on earth possible for all creatures. We revere the part that water plays in this dance of life and want to invite you to hear our stories of that glorious relationship it has with all things. Please support our campaign to bring these stories to you, from the depths and the shorelines, the inlets and the bays of our beautiful Great Lakes. Miigwech.”
Why do we need these stories now?
The colonization of Turtle Island has divided the Great Lakes bioregion into Canadian and American domains. Many still use the term "Bi-National waters" to describe the identity and governance of these waters. But much is missing. Along with other First Nations, Anishinaabe people continue to be great protectors of the Great Lakes and offer important teachings to meet the current water crisis. Their leadership on water stewardship makes a profound impact.
So a big thanks and miigwech to all those who contributed to this campaign and the National Freshwater Fund.
While new money won’t by multiplied by the NFF at a 2:1 ratio, more money can still make this project richer with more teachings and more participants. If you would like to contribute to this vital project, please visit the donation page.
