Soon, we begin the third of our River Water Walks. The Ohio River Water Walk begins April 22 in Pittsburgh. The Ohio is the most polluted river in the United States. Once it ran pure and clean and at times the water level was so low, our ancestors could walk across it. Now, over 41 dams control the water levels so barges can move up and down the river carrying goods, oil and coal. Recent chemical spills at Elk River, and the Dan River coal ash dump are contributing to the already besieged waterway. There can be no doubt that we are damaging our fresh water faster than it can be replenished. How did we get to this point? What do we do? According to Indigenous prophecies, we may be in the time of the 7th fire. The teachings of the Seven Fires prophecy were given to the Indigenous peoples prior to contact with the Europeans. It was through these prophesies that the People of the Three Fires, Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi began a westward migration to avoid contact with the “light-skinned people” coming from across the ocean. Each fire represents a period of time and events. So far all the proceeding prophesies have come to pass. The 7th fire signifies a time when a new people emerge—a people who lift us up and move us forward, or continue the disharmony and destruction. This movement to lift us up is created only if there is peace and harmony between the Indigenous people of this land and the light-skinned people—indeed among all the people who inhabit the Americas.Get the Story:
Sharon M. Day Walk on Water, Walk for Water (Indian Country Today 4/13)
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