Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

"We were told to speak out for the things that can not speak for themselves, for the animals, the fish, the winged ones, the plants and herbs, the water, air and the Earth." -Butch Stone Bad River Anishinabe Migration Journey organizer

This summer walkers will embark on a 2,200 mile journey following the ancient Anishinabek migration route from the St. Lawrence River to Madeline Island in Lake Superior. The Migration Journey for the Seventh Generation is a call for unity to all peoples to stand against the pollution and contamination of the Great Lakes. Our mission is to reach out and educate all people about protecting the waters, and restoring the earth's natural balance for seven generations to come. ways.

Along the route the walkers will stop in communities that are affected by toxic threats to our environment, to network, share stories, and pray together, thereby creating a spiritual and political unity of all peoples for one common goal.

The Migration Journey is a continuation of the work began during last year's walk around Lake Superior: A Walk to Remember. During the walk it became apparent that many communities are affected by the contamination of their waterways and watersheds, from human and animal waste to PCB and mercury contamination. It also became apparent that a multitude of corporations contribute to the environmental degradation of the Great Lakes, destroying the health of the communities dependent upon this system of water ways.

The Migration Journey is a widening of the circle that was created with last year's walk.. The Migration Journey will retrace the ancient steps of the Anishinabe ancestors' migration route with seven stopping places which are spoken about in prophecies: St. Lawrence River, Niagara Falls, Detroit River, Manitoulin Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Duluth and Madeline Island.

In consultation with spiritual elders, at each of the seven stops, fires will be lit and ceremonies will be conducted, along with applying the prophecies we were given at these stops to the state of the environment today. Additionally, events will be organized at each stopping place, where the local community will be called upon to share their stories, concerns and prayers for the waters in their areas.

The Migration Journey is about bringing people together to find solutions around the Great Lakes to live sustainably.

For information, concerning interview opportunities, contact Kevin Best, phone 1-888-371-0057 (416-600-7023-pager).