Friday Notes - Canada Day and Fresh Water
Some thoughts as we get ready for Canada Day in a land of fresh water
Happy Canada Day! Tomorrow, Canadians in my country and around the world will celebrate. The image above, of the Canadian flag rendered with Indigenous imagery by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Curtis Wilson, is designed to highlight the Indigenous contributions and reality as part of this country. We have a complicated history and present; may all of us who love Canada and seek truth and reconciliation move forward in peace and humility.
To learn more or to purchase a copy, go to The Flag Shop.
Call to Action
Examine Your Water Use
In writing my sermon for this Sunday, I found myself examining, with a sense of contrition, how much water I use, and how much of that use is wasteful. I have taken for granted the free and easy access to water from my tap. Yet, we are in a global water crisis that is only compounded by the climate crisis. I invite you, in prayer and discernment, to examine your own water use. Consider the following questions as you do:
What watershed do I live in, and where is the water in my tap coming from?
To what extent is my use of water respectful of the water and its place in the Earth community, and to what extent is it harmful or oblivious?
What is the relationship between this water and the lack of water access elsewhere (in my country and around the world)?
What concrete changes can I make to my water use as part of my discipleship?
Friday Five
Five Facts about Water in Canada
Water - its scarcity, water-related hazards, and water-based solutions - are at the center of the climate crisis.
Canada has the third-most renewable fresh water in the world.
Almost 9% percent of Canada is covered in freshwater!
There are 22.81 quadrillion litres (6 quadrillion gallons) in the five Great Lakes, which are shared between the US and Canada.
The lack of clean drinking water in First Nations communities (there are currently 28 long-term drinking water advisories) is considered “one of the greatest violations of the UN-recognized human rights to water and sanitation.”
Water is a human right. Water is part of the Earth community.
I have that Indigenous flag flying beside our Canadian one. Happy Canada Day Jessica and all.