water advocates

'A human rights issue that has been overlooked': Winnipeggers mark World Water Day

'A human rights issue that has been overlooked': Winnipeggers mark World Water Day

Water issues continue to disproportionately impact Indigenous communities, according to advocates speaking at a World Water Day event at the Odena Circle Wednesday night. "World Water Day is really important to reflect on our impact on water and water systems here in Canada, on Turtle Island and globally in the world," said Sadie Lavoie, one of the speakers.  About 30 people attended the event held at the Forks in Winnipeg to mark the annual UN observance day to raise awareness about the importance of fresh water. It's estimated that about 2 billion people live without access to fresh water.

Indigenous community, water advocates, moving ahead on drinking water solutions

Indigenous community, water advocates, moving ahead on drinking water solutions

An innovative way to bring clean water to indigenous communities is being installed in homes at a reserve not far from Toronto. The project is an early step in a plan that advocates hope will eventually spread across Canada. “Water is a basic human right no matter how rich or poor we are, where we come from, what the colour of our skin is we all deserve clean drinking water,” said water rights advocate Autumn Peltier.

Meet the matriarch who raised one of Canada's leading Indigenous water advocates

Meet the matriarch who raised one of Canada's leading Indigenous water advocates

Her middle daughter, 16-year-old Autumn, is known for her water activism and her role as the Anishnabek Nation's chief water protector. Stephanie Peltier maintains Autumn's schedule and travels all over the globe with her while also making sure that she has a chance to be a normal teenager. "I think what inspires me the most about my mom is the fact that she is a single mother and that she's raised three daughters on her own," said Autumn Peltier.