Presenters from both sides of the river to speak at World Water Day presentations locally

A number of events are planned as part of World Water Day on March 22.

Among the events will be a presentation by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Hub at Algoma University and another presentation that includes speakers from Batchewana First Nation, Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and the Invasive Species Centre.

Following is a full release from Water Wise on the planned events:

In preparation for the United Nations’ World Water Day on March 22, 2022, volunteers across the Twin Saults through the leadership of Water Wise have come together to take the pledge to reduce the use of personal plastics and to creatively become more aware of local freshwater issues!  

This year’s World Water Day theme is Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible. As part of this initiative, Water Wise has organized multiple virtual presentations with community partners along with a water arts initiative. Participants are invited to share in a day of storytelling, celebration, and freshwater protection here in the heart of the Upper Great Lakes.

The celebration kicks off with an official proclamation by the Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, live on YouTube at 4:30 p.m. at the March 21, 2022, City Council meeting. World Water Day activities will then begin with an engaging presentation to both local school boards from Joanie McGuffin and Joanne Robertson, supported by the student voice of Marijke de Geus. Everyone is welcome to connect deeper and get to know nibi (water in Ojibwe) better.

The evening events start at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Hub at Algoma University, followed by a World Water Day 2022 Binational Community Presentation at 7:00 p.m. , with speakers from Batchewana First Nation, Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and the Invasive Species Centre. For full event details and to register, click here. 

To participate in the Water Arts initiative, artists can express their freshwater perspectives and knowledge through drama, photography, music, dance, visual, written, and sculpture. Each registrant is provided with a registration package with information about the project and selected artworks will be installed at public sites in honour of World Water Day for all to view – submissions will be accepted until April 22, 2022! To learn more and to register, click here. 

“Students need opportunities to get involved with the community and learn more about the importance of the water we are surrounded by,” shared Celeste Schoahs, Superior Heights student and Water Wise 2022 committee member. involvement in experiences like these has encouraged me to go to university and study environmental science.”

For more information about Water Wise click here.