Our Story
Rooted in Tradition, for Future Generations
How We Walk with the Land and Water began with an intention to prepare for Indigenous-led land and water relationship planning, as a way of shaping a vision that is guided by and centred in First Nations values and knowledge; rather than having others shape it for us.
Like a river, our path is the result of many tributaries coming together as one.
This is our journey.
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![A large chart resembling an apple, divided into sections labeled Spiritual, Political, Visual, and World, with numerous colorful sticky notes attached to different areas. The chart is decorated with words related to education, research, and community, and is mounted on a blue background with additional text labels around it.]()
2017 | Initiative Beginnings
Gathering
Initial HWW meetings and a sacred ceremony with Elders from the Southern Lakes kicked off the How We Walk initiative. The three HWW Nations committed to working together on preparing for regional planning for the Southern Lakes region.
A Charter was developed that outlined how we would approach this work together, and what tools we needed to support the three HWW Nations
Elders from each of the Nations were appointed to our Elders’ Advisory Committee to guide all aspects of the HWW work, ensuring we’re doing our work in a good way.
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![A man in camouflage clothing and a backwards baseball cap looking at a wall display with maps and pictures of animals.]()
2018-2024 | Values & Data Gathering
Gathering | Having Tea
How We Walk hosted a series of gatherings, meetings, and open houses where Citizens shared what is important to them on the land and water.
This led to the development of our HWW Maps and Models (over 60!) that reflect the values the communities shared with us.
The HWW Nations developed an Internal Information Sharing Agreement that outlines how the three Nations share data with each other to support the HWW work.
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![Four people sitting at a table outdoors, holding documents, with flags and trees in the background. One woman stands behind them, all smiling.]()
2024 | Renewed Charter
Sharing Our Values
"As the 2017 Project Charter began to near completion, the HWW Nations faced an opportunity to reaffirm their commitments and identify future desired outcomes. A Renewed Charter was signed in 2024, serving as a foundation for the Guiding Principles, solidifying our organizational structure, and refining our key activities and deliverables.
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![Hand drawing a topographical map with rivers, mountains, and forests using a quill pen.]()
2024 - 2025 | Shared Land & Water Vision
Creating Our Story
With guidance from the Elders and community, the How We Walk team is working to bring together and finalize our Shared Land & Water Vision. This Shared Vision will provide information, recommendations, and strategic guidance for the three HWW Nation Governments as they enter into regional land and water relationship planning with other Governments. This will include all the work we’ve done over the past 8 years!
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![Illustration of animals with human bodies sitting around a table with papers, including a moose, unicorn, wolf, and a yeti, engaged in a meeting or discussion.]()
2026 | Land & Water Relationship Planning
Upholding Our Agreements
Once the Shared Land & Water Vision is complete, the three Nations will Initiate Regional Land & Water Relationship Planning with other Governments
