We are Resilient like a River
We are resilient like a river, carving our own path across the land for thousands of years. We are resilient like a river that has faced obstacles and hardships at the hands of others. Like a river we are beautiful; our cultures and languages have flowed for generations. Like a river our languages and cultures not only give us life, but also direction, they guide us on our journey, and connect us to the world we live in. Like a river we work to remove the barriers to our healing, so our stories, languages, and cultures continue to flow for the next generations as they find their way and stand resilient like a river.
Help our rivers flow freely; support Waterways and our vision of Improved health and wellness for Indigenous youth, empowered and connected to identity, culture, language, and land.
The confirmations of hundreds of mass and unmarked graves at sites across Canada continue to remind us of the ongoing truths that are a shared part of our collective history. Today, we see that reality through the complex challenges many urban, rural, and remote Indigenous youth continue to face. “The promotion of culture and identity through land-based activities has proven to improve health outcomes, and reduce involvement in the criminal justice system, child welfare, addiction, and mental health crisis responses.” —(Cecil Sveinson former Director of Prevention Services Southeast Child and Family Services). Waterways partners with Indigenous communities across Manitoba to run life-changing canoe programs which empower Indigenous youth and build a brighter future. To make this summer a lasting success, we need your help.
In 2020, our inaugural season was extremely successful in engaging youth in land-based programs, providing strengthened connections to their communities, lands, waters, and cultures, but what does that really look like? One youth from Black River First Nation described it like this “[It] brings people together. have fun and go places, discover places. Explore your culture and that, go to different places, see the world. That’s what I like about canoeing.” This young Anishinabe was one of over 1000 participants throughout the summer. Their comment is just a sample of the amazing feedback we received in every community. In fact, last year was such a success that we are expecting to double our programs in 2021. This is just the tip of the iceberg; currently, we do not have the resources to keep up with the demand for new canoe programs.
Doing this work in a good way means staying true to our values: centering Indigenous languages, cultures, and communities; creating long-term programs which have long-term benefits; fostering strong relationships; supporting the wellness of youth; and mentoring the next generation of leaders. None of this work happens overnight. Waterways has invested in a sustainable, long-term plan to get us there, but we need your support to make it happen.
Your donation will support the ongoing success of our programs. From supporting year round planning to purchasing equipment, every dollar helps empower Indigenous youth to get out on the water, and discover what they love about themselves, their culture, and Canoeing!
Your Donation
$35 a paddle that will help Indigenous youth navigate the world
$80 a life jacket to keep em’ safe
$175 will provide an Indigenous youth with the opportunity to explore their land and culture
$250 Honoraria for elders and knowledge keepers who share their knowledge, skills, and time for the benefit of the next generations
$500 a to sleep peacefully while fending off a swarm of Manitoba Mosquitoes
$1,500 a canoe that can last a lifetime
$3,500 a week of life-changing canoe camp for 20 youth
$35,000 year round staff, long term sustainability
$70,000 DOUBLE DOWN! Expand our capacity and take us to the next level. Year round program development, dedicated grant writers, all the boring stuff that makes sure these programs grow —sustainably, and so too does the positive impact!
The time is now, donate today!
Make a lasting impact in the lives of Indigenous youth!
About Waterways
Waterways Recreation is a youth-focused, Indigenous-led non-profit organization, who partners with Indigenous communities, agencies, and partners to deliver canoe programs, which promote wellness and culturally relevant recreation to Indigenous youth across Manitoba.
