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 partnership work (2012-2024) has:
- secured clean running water in approximately 60-75 homes in Pikangikum First Nation
- been part of developing a model between PWRDF and First Nations’ communities across Canada that allows our fundraising to be directed to responsive Indigenous-led grants.
- raised $150,000 toward a Water Truck in Kingfisher Lake, First Nation, a need identified by First Nations’ leaders of Mishamikoweesh. The new water truck was delivered this past winter.
Our fundraising in 2024-205 will:
- continue to support Partner-led projects in securing clean, running water in Indigenous communities within the relationship we are building with Mishamikoweesh leadership. Future projects could include: training, water filters, another water truck, or the drilling of wells.
- seek to leverage funds raised to secure government grants.
- invest in building trust and relationship with the people and leaders of Mishamikoweesh, looking for their direction in next steps.
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
- Ask yourself what you would normally spend on a Christmas gift for someone you love.
- Don’t buy “stuff” this year, give the gift of water!
- Make a donation to PWRDF’s Indigenous Water Partnership (through your church or directly to PWRDF)
- Take or download a Donation Card.
- Give that Gift Card to your loved one this Christmas to tell them how much you love them!
How can I support this work?
Like and follow Pimatisiwin Nipi on Facebook and Instagram.
Download our resources to use with your parish:
- Mishamikoweesh Water Partnership Bulletin Inserts 2024
- Mishamikoweesh Water Partnership Donation Cards 2024
- Living Waters Annual Report 2023
- Living Waters Annual Report 2022
- Living Waters Annual Report 2021
- Living Waters Annual Report 2020
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.