On December 8, Great Lakes Commons hosted another campfire discussion with supporters across the basin. For the past several weeks and months, everyone concerned about water protection, protecting the sacred, and Indigenous rights have been following this story -- a story pitting people against profits, water against oil, and ceremony and treaty law against state and military power. From the shores of Lakes Ontario, MIchigan, and Simcoe about 10 GLC supporters came together share experiences of visiting the Dakota Nation, the Standing Rock Tribe, and the water protector camps. You can listen to our discussion too.
Paddling Toronto's First Highways
Recreation. What is recreation? Canadians love the outdoors and especially water sports such as sailing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Some water groups work closely with recreationalists since being on and enjoying the water fits well with stewardship. On September 27th, we partnered with Sylvia Plain from the Great Lakes Canoe Journey project to re-introduce our group to the canoe.
Charter Cafés: meet ups for check ups on the Commons Charter
Keeping the spirit of community alive across the Great Lakes has its challenges. But it's always rejuvenating to talk with Charter Supporters on why they are a commoner. On July 16th, folks from several shores met through on-line video and talked about how the Great Lakes Commons Charter is alive in their lives, projects, and passions.
Water Gifts Walk: giving back to the source
Summer is here and what more is there to do than thank the waters in our lives and bodies. June 6th marked the 100in1Day festival in Toronto where locals left their individual turfs to co-create over 100 'urban interventions' to re-make the city into a home. One day everyday could be like 100in1Day.
Rallying For Freshwater And Thinking BIG
From October 3-5 I participated in the Living Waters Rally near Ottawa, Ontario -- unceded territory of the Algonquin people. Over 130 people worked on strengthening their knowledge and capacity for protecting freshwater in Canada.
"We Are Water" celebrates Milwaukee's big drink
Most Milwaukeeans value living in close proximity to a large body of water, but what are we willing to do to celebrate it? Improve it? Protect it? The year-old Milwaukee Water Commons is a project committed to fostering connection, collaboration and leadership on behalf of the bodies of water in our community.
June 19th! Webinar: Great Lakes Commons Charter
Reclaiming the Water Commons: Water Ethics and Nature Rights in Maine
The all-day symposium features speakers, roundtable discussions and several performances. Registration begins at 8:00 am with an opening ceremony by gkisedtanamoogk of the Wampanoag Nation at 8:30 am.. Following the ceremony John Bear Mitchell, a storyteller from the Penobscot Nation, will share a story on water themes just prior to John Bank's talk which will take place at 9:15-10 am.