Conference Theme
Honouring the Spirit of Water – Bringing together diverse knowledge streams in a climate of change
Honorer l’Esprit de l’Eau – Réunir divers courants de connaissances dans un climat de changement
Ta nîkânastâya kâ isi kihci mâm’tonihcikâtîk dilô – ta mâmawastâya iyawis ay’nîsowin ôma kitaskaskînaw kâ mîskocipayik.
Context
The Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) is a national not-for-profit organization that is comprised of members from the public, private and academic sectors who are committed to promoting responsible, innovative and effective water resources management.
CWRA hosts an annual conference which attracts 350 – 400 water practitioners over a period of three to four days. The conference is hosted in various locations across Canada and from June 15–19, 2026, the conference will take place in Winnipeg, located in Treaty #1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis, where the Assiniboine and the Red rivers meet.
Water is the essence of life. Across cultures and generations, water is revered as sacred: a purifier, a healer, a symbol of renewal. The “Spirit of Water” expresses this deeper relationship. It reminds us that water is a living part of our ecosystem, one that sustains all forms of life and connects us to one another and to the land. Across our Homelands, waterways have shaped our histories, our travel, and our survival, influencing how our Ancestors moved, traded, and built community.
Honouring the Spirit of Water calls for gratitude, humility, reciprocity, action, and ceremony. Reciprocity reminds us that we are not only receivers of water’s gifts but also caretakers, called to give back in ways that uphold balance and respect. Every drop conserved, every river protected, every story shared is a way of honouring her with the respect she deserves for the care we are given.
Why Does the Spirit of Water Matter?
The Spirit of Water embodies the flow of life and the power of transformation – qualities we must acknowledge as we navigate a climate faced by environmental, social, and economic challenges. This understanding is a reminder of the need to listen to water in order to better embrace our responsibility to honour and protect her, the source of all life. As stewards, we are called to take collective actions that support healing, adaptation, and renewal, fostering a resilient future grounded in balance and interconnectedness.
The following artwork has been developed by Patrick Paul, ABsoluteORIGINAL Art, to reflect on this theme:
Strawberries (Odeimin, Lii frayz)
The word odeimin means ‘Heartberry’.
In this illustration, it is focused on cleansing our hearts with water (nibi).
In indigenous culture, plants that resemble organs are the medicines that help the most.
Raindrops (La pwii) /Water (Nibi, Di loo)
Water is the fundamental element necessary for all creation and life.
The wild strawberry flower grows from raindrops and clean water.
This illustration symbolizes the water spirit that is foundational to new life and all of its creations.
Turtle (Mishiikenh, la torcheu)
In ancient creation stories, it is told that the turtle carries all of creation on her back.
After the world goes through a great flood and renewal it is the turtle’s duty to care for us.
The turtle is the symbol for Truth in the 7 sacred grandfather teachings.
It is significantly important to carry this teaching, especially in a time of Truth and Reconciliation.
