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Indigenous Water Project

Pimatisiwin Nipi (“Living Water”) Group


Pimatisiwin Nipi

Faith communities across Canada have, since 2013, oriented our Gift Giving to respond to the URGENT need for water in Indigenous communities – a basic human right.

In 2013, group of representatives together came together from churches and community groups with interests in the Indigenous communities in Canada. The group was initiated because there were concerns from communities across Canada regarding the lack of safe and accessible drinking water and indoor plumbing in First Nations’ communities and how ordinary Canadians could effect change.

The group, now known as Pimatisiwin Nipi (“Living Water”) Group, supported PWRDF’s water program in the Northern Ontario community of Pikangikum as it worked to achieve the Four Pillars in their work together: Advocacy, Education, Partnership and Strategic Giving. Since 2013, Pimatisiwin Nipi Group partnered with Pikangikum and with PWRDF to install safe drinking water and indoor plumbing in the homes that need it the most.

The generous offerings and training of previous years make it possible for the community of Pikangikum to move to the next phase on its own.

Read Rev. Canon Martha Tatarnic’s relfection on her recent visit to Pikangikum.

In 2020, Indigenous communities across Canada had to drastically adapt to living in a pandemic, with increasing isolation and diminished community resources a tragic cost to trying to keep COVID- 19 at bay. Our Indigenous networks hear of youth suicides and overdoses on a daily basis. The resources that they would normally bring in to help communities cope, including pastoral care, couldn’t be brought in because of COVID-19. Across Indigenous communities is a tsunami of pain, grief and difficulty.

In 2021, our work expanded to begin the Mishamikoweesh Water Partnership. Mishamikoweesh includes 25 First Nations in Northern Ontario and Manitoba, across which water safety is a critical need. 

Mishamikoweesh leaders identify clean water as central to their vision of a good life for their people. In response, this partnership will: 

  • engage Mishamikoweesh leaders, and with PWRDF support, to develop Indigenous-led, high impact water projects across these Northern communities. 
  • work toward the goal of Indigenous communities being able to access fresh and safe drinking water, prioritizing their connection to the abundance of the land. 

Our current work

In response to the needs articulated by Mishamikoweesh leadership, our goal is to raise $150,000 towards a water truck in Kingfisher Lake. This campaign began in December 2022 and is ongoing.

Kingfisher Lake has a population of 500 people on reserve, most of whom access water through tanks attached to their homes and a water delivery system from the treatment plant.  Roads are rough, wear and tear on the vehicles is significant, repair parts are hard to come by, and the population is growing. A new water truck will significantly increase the reliability of clean, running water in this community. 

PWRDF hopes to use funds raised for this work to encourage support from government and non government agencies in addressing and providing funds for long-term water needs in northern communities. 

Join the Advent Conspiracy

During this season of Advent, Pimatisiwin Nipi invites all of its networks to GIVE Christmas presents differently to their loved ones, to BUY LESS & GIVE MORE. Rather than buying “stuff” this year, give the gift of water to communities in Canada in need of clean, running water.

It’s easy to participate in the Advent Conspiracy, a global movement of Christians to reclaim the true generosity and transformative power of Jesus’ love this Christmas.

Advent Conspiracy Steps

  1. Ask yourself what you would normally spend on a Christmas gift for someone you love.
  2. Don’t buy “stuff” this year, give the gift of water!
  3. Make a donation to PWRDF’s Indigenous Water Partnership (through your church or directly to PWRDF)
  4. Take or download a Donation Card.
  5. Give that Gift Card to your loved one this Christmas to tell them how much you love them!

How can I support this work?

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Download our resources to use with your parish:

Give to PWRDF’s Indigenous Water Partnership:

  • Online
  • By Phone
    Call PWRDF toll-free at 1-866-308-7973. Please do not send your credit card number by email or fax.
  • By Mail
    Please make your cheque payable to “PWRDF Mishamikoweesh Water Project” and send it to:
    The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
    The Anglican Church of Canada
    80 Hayden Street
    Toronto, Ontario  M4Y 3G2

In cases where donations exceed what is needed or where local conditions prevent program implementation, PWRDF will redirect funds to similar activities to help people in need. One percent of designated funds will be set aside for program monitoring and evaluation costs.