The sacred source of life

As spring unfolds and the seasons shift, we witness nature's awakening—plants bloom, animals roam, and landscapes flourish. This renewal reminds us of water's vital role in giving and sustaining all life on Earth.

Water embodies the wholeness and harmonious coexistence of the natural world as it binds people, animals, plants and landscapes together, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Water is intrinsic to our existence, permeating every aspect of our lives—from the air we breathe to the food, energy, nature’s gifts, and cultural practices we depend on.

Although nearly 70% of Earth's surface is covered by water, less than 5% is freshwater—shapeshifting between rain, ice caps, glaciers, lakes, rivers, and groundwater as it moves through mountains, valleys, plains, and forests. Human activity has altered these flows dramatically in just a few centuries, with changes exponentially accelerating over the last 15 years.

All animals act as disruptors, yet most do so in a way that contributes to the natural balance. Herbivores influence plant reproduction while spreading seeds and fertilizing soil. Some species help control invasive populations, while others, like beavers, shape waterways and engineer habitats for diverse organisms. Modern lifestyles and extractive mindsets have made many people forget that we, too, can be positive disruptors—applying nature-based approaches that heal rather than harm while living in reciprocity with the natural world.

It is not a coincidence that the UN established World Water Day on March 22, 1993, right after the Spring Equinox, to highlight the importance of freshwater and examine water-related challenges from diverse viewpoints. Rising temperatures have intensified natural disasters and continue shrinking our forests and frozen landscapes beyond repair, making our water cycles increasingly erratic and affecting communities with droughts, wildfires, floods and rising sea levels. The theme for 2025, Glacier Preservation, invites us to explore the role of glaciers in shaping mountains and valleys, delivering nutrients to wildlife, and maintaining an abundant flow of freshwater for all.

While we cannot reclaim every lost ice cap, forest, wetland, or river taken by rising temperatures, urban infrastructure and extractive practices, we can protect and strengthen what remains, helping them flourish while ensuring both the planet's resilience and its living inhabitants’ survival.

We can learn from water walkers like Mary Anne Caibaiosai that, "we have a responsibility. The water is alive, the land is alive, and they're asking us to listen. We can't just take; we have to be in relationship." Recognizing our connection to water compels us to care for its well-being as we would for a beloved relative. It encourages us to value water not as a resource for exploitation but as a sacred element deserving of love.

Water is who we are and where we come from. It transcends borders and political jurisdictions. A water-resilient future requires decision-makers to interweave Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, advocate for holistic environmental stewardship, and deepen our reciprocal relationship with nature.

Together, we can begin a new era of healing for the beautiful blue marble we call home. If you feel unsure about where to start, consider water walking—a practice that strengthens our connection to water. Caibaiosai describes it as "a spiritual activity" that transforms one's understanding of water's significance. You can also consider the following impactful actions:

• Staying informed about the health of your region's waters and supporting local organizations through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness.

• Advocating for water protection by engaging with local governments through letters or pledges.

• Prioritizing moments to speak and connect with the natural world, especially for those of us who live in urban centers. Consider camping, planting trees, participating in clean-ups, and supporting conservation efforts.

Every detail matters. As we think of our roles within society and the actions we can take, we also remember the local heroes who find creative ways to incorporate positive impact into their daily lives through uncommon mediums.

This date seemed like the perfect opportunity to share one of Hamaka’s stories online for the first time: Earth’s Crust, a story about the Chilliwack River and a dedicated potter, Cathy Terepocki, who crafts ceramic vessels carrying traces of water flows and memories of a river community.