The journey began with a single, powerful phrase, whispered in the ancient Ojibwe language: "Ni guh izhi chigay nibi onji." I do it for the water. These words, a mantra of devotion and respect, echoed along the banks of the Potomac River as a group of dedicated individuals embarked on a unique pilgrimage. This wasn’t a casual stroll or a scenic hike; it was a prayer in motion, a 400-mile walk dedicated to the healing and revitalization of the Potomac. This journey, known as the Potomac River Water Walk, was more than just an environmental effort; it was a spiritual undertaking, a conversation with the very spirit of the water.
The Potomac River, a vital artery of the Mid-Atlantic region, flows for over 400 miles, originating in the highlands of West Virginia and winding its way to the Chesapeake Bay. Its waters have witnessed centuries of history, from the indigenous tribes who first called its shores home to the bustling cities and agricultural landscapes that now line its banks. However, like many rivers across the globe, the Potomac has suffered from the impacts of pollution, its once pristine waters burdened by the consequences of human activity.
The Potomac water walk was conceived as a response to this degradation, a way to not only raise awareness about the river’s plight but also to engage with it on a deeper, more spiritual level. The walk, rooted in Ojibwe tradition, recognized the inherent sacredness of water, viewing it not just as a resource but as a living entity with its own spirit and consciousness.
The genesis of the journey lay at Fairfax Stone, a historic marker nestled within a West Virginia state park. This site, dating back to the 18th century, marks the source of the Potomac River. It was here, on October 7th, that the participants gathered for a water ceremony, a sacred ritual designed to honor and connect with the river’s spirit.
A copper vessel, chosen for its conductive properties and symbolic significance, was filled with water drawn from the clear pool at the river’s origin. This water, representing the Potomac in its purest form, would be carried throughout the entire journey, a tangible reminder of the river’s original state and a symbol of hope for its future restoration.
Sharon Day, a respected elder and organizer of the walk, articulated the profound intention behind this act. "We want the water to have a taste of itself," she explained. "This is how you began, and this is how we want you to be again." Her words encapsulated the essence of the Potomac water walk: a desire to reconnect the river with its source, to remind it of its inherent purity, and to offer a prayer for its return to health.
The participants, a diverse group of Native Americans and their allies, embarked on their 13-day relay, walking the entire length of the Potomac. Their route took them through a varied landscape, from the rugged mountains of West Virginia to the rolling hills of Virginia and Maryland, and finally, to the urbanized areas surrounding Washington D.C.
Each day, the walkers would cover approximately 30 miles, maintaining a brisk pace of around 15 minutes per mile. The copper vessel, filled with the precious water from the Potomac’s source, was carried by a designated walker, who would be relieved every mile or so by another participant. This constant movement ensured that the prayerful energy was continuously flowing along the river’s course.
The act of walking itself became a form of meditation, a way to connect with the land and the water on a physical and spiritual level. As they walked, the participants would speak to the water, offering words of gratitude, respect, and love. They would sing traditional songs, their voices blending with the sounds of the river and the surrounding environment. And they would pray, asking for the healing of the Potomac and the restoration of its natural balance.
Reyna Davila-Day, a young participant in the Potomac water walk, embodied the spirit of intergenerational commitment. While her classmates were studying rivers in a classroom, Reyna was walking alongside one, carrying the water and sharing her belief in its inherent spirit. "It’s us showing that the water needs to be cared for, and that we care about the water," she explained.
The journey was not without its challenges. The walkers faced long days, physical exertion, and the constant presence of traffic and urban development. Yet, their dedication remained unwavering, fueled by their deep connection to the water and their commitment to its well-being.
Beth Brent, a local resident of Harpers Ferry, found a profound sense of purpose in participating in the water walk. Having previously worked with water cleanup organizations, she recognized that something was missing from the purely scientific approach to environmental restoration. "They keep it in the realm of science and water monitoring," she observed. "That’s a very colonizing, Western white male way of engaging with nature."
The Ojibwe tradition, which forms the foundation of the water walk, offered a different perspective, one that acknowledged the inherent spirituality of water and the importance of engaging with it in a respectful and prayerful manner. This tradition also dictates that only women can carry the water, with men providing essential support roles.
As the walkers progressed along their journey, they encountered a range of reactions from the people they met. Some were curious, others were skeptical, but many were deeply moved by the dedication and purpose of the walk. The walkers shared their message of water stewardship and the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.
The culmination of the 13-day journey arrived when the walkers reached the Chesapeake Bay, the final destination of the Potomac River. Here, at the point where the river’s waters mingle with the vastness of the bay, a final ceremony was held.
The copper vessel, still containing the water from the Potomac’s source, was carefully poured into the bay. This act symbolized the return of the river to its larger ecosystem, a merging of the pure and the polluted, a gesture of hope for the bay’s own revitalization.
Sharon Day emphasized that the Potomac water walk was not a protest, but rather a movement toward something with love. "You’re doing it because you love these rivers," she said.
The impact of the Potomac River Water Walk extended beyond the physical act of walking and the symbolic gesture of pouring water into the bay. It was a catalyst for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and inspiring a deeper connection to the natural world.
The story of the Potomac water on a prayerful journey is a testament to the power of indigenous wisdom, the importance of spiritual engagement with the environment, and the unwavering commitment of individuals to protect the sacredness of water. It serves as a reminder that true environmental stewardship requires not only scientific knowledge and technological solutions, but also a deep respect for the spirit of the natural world and a willingness to engage with it in a prayerful and compassionate manner. The journey may have ended, but the prayer continues.
