For the City Times

The Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation will be hosting a “Mother Earth Water Walk” on Saturday Sep. 17, in the Town of Rome, In Adams County.

Grandma Josephine  Mandamin, creator of the Mother Earth Water Walk, will be there to lead the walk.

“Mother Earth Water Walk” was created by two Anishinwbe Grandmothers who started taking action to make the public aware of the importance of protecting our water by walking the perimeter of the Great Lakes. They have also walked the entire length of the St. Lawrence Seaway, and walked from all four coasts of North America.  Their only goal is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving our water quality and quantity and helping people recognize that water is life.

In preparation for this walk, CWNF is holding a multicultural “Water Ceremony” on Saturday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m. on the beach at Barnum Bay, on Lake Petenwell. There will be singing and dancing in this celebration of water and to contemplate the importance of water to everyone. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Lure Bar, in their room which faces the water.

To demonstrate our respect for tribal tradition, we ask that all women and girls wear long skirts.  The skirt symbolizes the tee pee, which is home to family.  Women are considered the water carriers as women are the life givers, and were given to carry life sustaining water.  Men and boys are asked to wear long shorts or pants.  Men are protectors of the water and the women who carry it.  Please do not bring pets.

The ceremony is meant to be a spiritual contemplation of the importance of protecting water.  There is no charge, and everyone is welcome.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation at cwnf@solarus.net, or call our Event Coordinator, Patt Pisellini, at 715-325-1972.