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Please join us as we - for our fourth and final year of the cycle - walk in prayer and thanks for the water that runs through and around our home. For four years, the Hamilton Harbour Water Walk had began and ended at Bayfront Park, encircling the Hamilton Harbour. Then, following the news that 24 billion litres of raw sewage had been allowed to flow directly into the Chedoke Creek and down into Coote's Paradise, the second Hamilton Water Walk began in 2020 around Cootes Paradise. The city chose to do nothing about the spill but, upon order, began some modest remediation efforts.Last year, we decided to extend our walk around both Cootes Paradise and the Hamilton Harbour. These two bodies of water are inseparable and the health of one affects the health of the other. We will do the same this year.
We do this to give thanks to the water, to offer our love, and put our collective heart towards its healing. We believe that the remediation begins with healing our relationship to the water.
The first day of the walk is pleasant but it isn't easy. Around Cootes, we will mostly be using the trail system and the ground is uneven and at times steep. Around the Harbour, we must walk through the Industrial Zone and the air is very polluted. It is rather unpleasant and can sometimes make people feel ill.
THIS YEAR, WE WILL NOT BE WALKING IN ONE LARGE GROUP AS WE HAVE IN YEARS PAST. We will be taking shifts in smaller groups over the two days. If you have an interest in signing up for a shift, please message the page and we can talk about the responsibility of it.
It is regretful that the nature of this ceremony means not everyone can participate in the walk due to accessibility concerns. However, the walk must be supported by a sacred fire and the fire is as important as the walk itself. Everyone is welcome to join our firekeeper - Fred Bowering - at Princess Point at any time during the three days and nights to help him keep the fire or simply to sit and visit. He will be located next to the parking lot on flat ground.
On the Sunday when we are done, we will enjoy a feast and giveaway together back at Princess Point. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE FEAST!! Please consider donating a special meal to the feast and please bring one or two small items for the giveaway.
THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING TO THE FEAST:
1) Yourself & friends
2) Food for the feast (if you can)
6) Feast bundle (plate, utensils, & a cup)
7) Something small for the giveaway blanket
We ask that water walkers who follow skirt teachings to wear skirts, but there will be no questions asked as per how you choose to come. This is a Two-Spirit and Queer friendly ceremony.
There is parking at Princess Point at the cost of $15 per day - try to carpool and split the costs as much as possible.
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE WATER WALK
1) please donate towards costs for the event - we will need water, firewood, feast food, and gas for the support vehicles! e-transfer to [email protected] works!
2) volunteer your time as a support vehicle driver or whatever other skills you have to offer!
3) donate a meal to the feast for when the water walk returns to Princess Point!
4) ask us how you can support our firekeeper as he holds that sacred space for the ceremony!
4) share the facebook event page with your friends!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Princess Point, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
