Indigenous students and staff donate to Junction Creek Stewardship Committee – May 25

SUDBURY, ON – A shared commitment to protect land and water has inspired a donation from Indigenous students and employees at Cambrian College to Sudbury’s Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (JCSC).

Approximately $1034 was raised for the JCSC this year at Cambrian’s annual powwow. The theme of this year’s powwow was Nibi Bimaadiziimagad: Gda-Mnaadenmaanaanig E’masaanmaajig Nibi (Water is Life: Honouring our Water Walkers). Many Indigenous students created crafts that were sold at the powwow as part of the fundraiser.

The amount raised was then matched by a donation from the Cambrian Indigenous Student Circle, bringing the total donation to $2068.

“Every year at powwow, our students like to fundraise to give back to the community, and supporting the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee was a perfect fit this year because of our theme,” explains Andrea Dokis, Director of Cambrian’s Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services. “In Indigenous culture, water walkers are women who are spiritual caretakers and protectors of water. The commitment of the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee to protecting our waterways reflects the spirit and teachings behind this year’s theme and reminds us all of the importance of caring for the water that sustains our communities and future generations. We’re proud to recognize and support their dedication to improving, maintaining, and revitalizing the local watershed and ecosystem within the N’Swakamok (where the three roads meet, Sudbury) area.”

“CISC is honoured to support Junction Creek through the funds raised at our powwow,” says Avery Bois, E-Naabiisjeget (Mentor) with the Cambrian Indigenous Student Circle. “In Indigenous teachings, water is life, and we recognize the important responsibility we all share in protecting and caring for the waters that sustain our communities. Inspired by the teachings and in honor of our water walkers, this contribution reflects our commitment to stewardship, connection to the land, and ensuring our future generations will have what they need to thrive.”

The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee plans to direct the donation toward youth-focused water stewardship initiatives that promote environmental learning, connection to the land and water, and community-led restoration and care for local ecosystems.

‘We are very honoured to have been chosen as the charity of choice this year at Cambrian College’s powwow,” adds Jaclyn Groom, Program Support and Philanthropy Coordinator for the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee. “Sudbury is known as the City of Lakes and ensuring our water courses are clean and healthy is a mission shared by ourselves and the Indigenous students and employees at Cambrian College. We are very grateful for their support.”

To learn more about the work of the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, visit https://junctioncreek.com.

The Cambrian Indigenous Student Circle represents Indigenous students at the college, through advocacy and organizing events and activities.

The Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services supports Indigenous students and employees at Cambrian by providing culturally appropriate events, activities and support services.