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Nibi Anishinaabe Ikwewag Inaakonigewin: Water as a Sacred Spirit and the Role of Indigenous Women in Water Governance

2315 Dana Building
440 Church St.
Ann Arbor, MI
| Wednesday November 4, 2026 | 3:30 pm
Nibi Anishinaabe Ikwewag Inaakonigewin: Water as a Sacred Spirit and the Role of Indigenous Women in Water Governance

For generations, Anishnaabe Ikwewag (women) have carried a special responsibility to nibi (water), the giver of life and a connection among people, community, and the natural world. Join indigenous women from across the Great Lakes to explore this sacred relationship, the legacy of Nokimis Josephine Mandamin-ba and the water walkers, and the future of women-led water protection and stewardship.

Panelists:

- Myrna Kicknosway, Elder, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor | Walpole Island First Nation

- Andrea Pierce, Deputy Director of Programming, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition and Chair, Anishinaabek Caucus | Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

- Dawn Martin Hill, Grandmother of 10, resides in Six Nations of the Grand River with her four children | Mohawk Wolf Clan

- Judy Da Silva, Elder, Award-Winning Activist, Community Leader | Grassy Narrows First Nation

This event is hosted by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Global Center for Transboundary Waters, the Tishman Center for Social Justice and the Environment, and the Water Center.

Refreshments will be served.