World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of fresh water. World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.1 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Indigenous Peoples and Water
Water is an important aspect of indigenous peoples’ spirituality and takes the form of many water bodies such as seas, rivers, streams, springs, lakes, rain, snow, ice, fog and clouds and is an inseparable part of their heritage. As well as underpinning their social and economic well-being, indigenous people’s relationship with waters, lands and its resources is crucial to cultural vitality and resilience.
Water represents the clarity of mind—a purifying force aligned with interdependence and harmony. When we awaken to the cleansing properties of water, then we may wash away the obstacles to good relationship with self, others, the Earth.
This World Water Day, we invite both reflection and action. May we listen to the wisdom of water and stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples protecting it. May we honor water within and around us.
“When you drink water, make a prayer for the water to become medicine.”
Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo