Communities Unite to Protect the Saskatchewan River Delta Through Week-Long Water Advocacy Journey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Communities Unite to Protect the Saskatchewan River Delta Through Week-Long Water Advocacy Journey
CUMBERLAND HOUSE, SK – Communities, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, researchers, and environmental advocates will come together from August 1–6, 2026, for a week-long water movement dedicated to protecting the Saskatchewan River Delta: North America's largest inland freshwater delta and one of the world's most significant carbon sinks.
Led by the Northern Village of Cumberland House, in partnership with Star Blanket Cree Nation, Les Filles de Madelaine, and researchers from the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, the initiative will travel along the waterways that feed into the Saskatchewan River Delta, bringing together ceremony, education, advocacy, and community action.
The movement comes at a critical time as concerns continue to grow regarding the long-term health of Saskatchewan's waterways, particularly in light of the province's new irrigation project, which is scheduled to begin construction this year.
"We know communities all along the Saskatchewan River share concerns about the future of our waters," organizers said. "This is the year we stand together to raise our voices and protect one of Canada's most important ecosystems for future generations."
Water Movement Schedule
The public is invited to participate at any of the following locations:
August 1: Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), The Pas, Manitoba
August 2: E.B. Campbell Dam
August 3: Stuart Park, Prince Albert
August 4: Rotary Park, Saskatoon
August 5: Gardiner Dam Spillway
August 6: Saskatchewan Legislative Grounds, Regina
Each gathering will include ceremony, guest speakers, and opportunities for community members to learn more about the Saskatchewan River Delta and the importance of protecting Saskatchewan's waterways.
The movement will conclude on August 6 at the Saskatchewan Legislative Grounds in Regina, where participants will paddle traditional canoes on Wascana Lake before joining together in a solidarity walk around the lake in support of protecting the Saskatchewan River Delta.
Why the Saskatchewan River Delta Matters
Covering approximately 10,000 square kilometres, the Saskatchewan River Delta is North America's largest inland freshwater delta. It provides critical habitat for wildlife, serves as an internationally significant breeding and migratory stopover for waterfowl, and functions as one of the world's largest natural carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change.
For Indigenous Peoples, however, its value extends far beyond ecology.
As one Cumberland House community member explains:
"The Delta is our grocery store, it is also our drug store, and it provides most of our needs and nourishment."
The Delta also holds immense historical significance. The waterways connecting Cumberland House to Hudson Bay served as the original transportation route into Western Canada, making Cumberland House the first permanent settlement in Western Canada and a central hub in the fur trade.
Despite decades of research, community advocacy, media coverage, and appeals to provincial and federal governments, organizers say meaningful action to protect the Delta has been limited.
"This movement is about ensuring everyone understands what is at stake," organizers said. "Protecting the Saskatchewan River Delta means protecting our water, our communities, our history, our ecosystems, and future generations."
As Indigenous Peoples, communities have long held the knowledge and responsibility to care for the land and water.
As one Cumberland House Elder shares:
"We are not scientists or other professionals according to today's education system. We are Indigenous and educated by our parents, grandparents, and Elders. You will not find our education in any of your textbooks."
Water is life. Organizers are inviting all Saskatchewan residents, neighbouring communities, organizations, and allies to stand together in support of environmental justice and the protection of the Saskatchewan River Delta.
For updates and event information, join the Facebook group:
Indigenous Saskatchewan Women's Environmental Water Advocacy Keepers (ISWEWAK)
Additional information about the Saskatchewan River Delta can be found through the Partners for the Saskatchewan River Basin documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEbmN-Lh3Rg
Facebook Group: Indigenous Saskatchewan Women's Environmental Water Advocacy Keepers (ISWEWAK)
