Indigenous Journalism Fellowship Recipient Reports

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Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the four-day event organized by Isaac Murdoch, Christi Belcourt, and local Anishinaabe elders?

To pray for the waters and future generations.

Who are considered 'fire keepers' in Anishinaabe spirituality?

Men

Why are women considered 'water carriers' in Anishinaabe spirituality?

Because they carry life in their womb and have a connection to water, being 90% water themselves.

What is the significance of the sweat lodge in Indigenous ceremonies?

It resembles a pregnant woman's womb, symbolizing safety and rebirth. Signup and view all the answers

What role do elders play in the gathering according to Christi Belcourt?

They share traditional knowledge and offer advice on protecting waters in their communities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolic connection between women and water in Anishinaabe spirituality?

Women's ability to give life and carry life in their womb, mirroring the life-giving properties of water. Signup and view all the answers

Why is water considered sacred in Anishinaabe spirituality?

Water is essential for life, cleansing, and rebirth, and is closely tied to women's role in giving life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the water walks mentioned in the text?

Not specified in the given text, but water walks are likely a ceremony or ritual related to praying for and respecting water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowships?

To encourage Indigenous voices and better understanding of Indigenous issues in Canada's major media and community outlets Signup and view all the answers

Where did Aldeen Mason's favourite place to swim as a child?

In the Winnipeg River, near her home community of Sagkeeng First Nation Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the pollution from the paper mill on Aldeen Mason's community?

They were no longer able to swim in the river and had to fish upstream from the mill Signup and view all the answers

What is Aldeen Mason doing today to make a difference in her community?

She is trying to raise awareness about the importance of clean water Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Great Water Gathering?

To gather in ceremony, pray, and figure out how to move forward together in protecting the waters of their ancestors Signup and view all the answers

Why did Aldeen Mason's father walk to the local paper mill in the 1980s?

To join a protest Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the paper mill in Aldeen Mason's community?

It closed down about 20 years ago Signup and view all the answers

How was Aldeen Mason invited to the Great Water Gathering?

Through an invitation extended in the form of tobacco Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Indigenous Journalism Fellowship

Lenard Monkman receives the 2017 CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship to promote Indigenous voices and address Indigenous issues in Canadian media.

The Great Water Gathering

The Great Water Gathering takes place in Manitoba's Whiteshell region in July 2017.
Aldeen Mason, a grandmother from Sagkeeng First Nation, attends the gathering to raise awareness about the importance of clean water.
The gathering aims to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to pray for the waters and discuss ways to protect ancestral waters.

Anishinaabe Spirituality and Water

In Anishinaabe culture, water is a significant element in ceremonies.
Women are taught water responsibilities and are referred to as "water carriers" due to their connection to life and pregnancy.
Women carry life in their wombs, similar to how they carry water in their bodies.
The sweat lodge ceremony, resembling a pregnant woman's womb, is a sacred space for prayer and cleansing.

Environmental Concerns

Pollution from a local paper mill in Sagkeeng First Nation forced the Mason family to stop swimming in the river.
The paper mill's closure had both positive and negative impacts on the community.
The community has seen a decline in sturgeon population due to pollution.

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Description

Lenard Monkman reports on the Great Water Gathering in Manitoba's Whiteshell region, supported by the CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship. He shares Aldeen Mason's story of swimming in the Winnipeg River.