Paddlers are being asked to gather on the Sydenham River for an event to defend sacred waters.
The event on July 13, 2025 is called Paddle for ᓂᐱ – Nibi and it aims to protect water, sovereignty, and justice in the face of legislative threats.
"First Nations water protectors and settlers will launch a powerful canoe relay along the Sydenham River as part of a grassroots movement defending sacred waters, treaty rights, and environmental justice," said organizers. "This call to action arises in direct opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5 and the proposed York1 Dresden landfill, which threaten the ecological integrity of the Sydenham watershed and violate foundational treaties."
The relay will begin in Dresden near Molly’s Creek at 9 a.m. after a sunrise ceremony and continue to Wallaceburg to send a clear message that the local waters are sacred.
The organizers noted First Nations treaties are still alive and their voices must be heard, adding treaties are the law – not a suggestion.
"Over 230 years ago, the Detroit Treaty (1790) and Jay Treaty (1794) codified protections for First Nations sovereignty and land. Today, these treaties face continued erosion. Ontario’s Bill 5 — “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act” — tramples those agreements, stripping environmental oversight without Indigenous consent or proper consultation," organizers stated.
The landfill near federally protected waters endangers the Kettle Point aquifer and violates Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, noted the group.
Environmental protections and due process are being dismantled, blocking First Nations and public legal remedies, according to event organizers, adding "this is more than policy — it’s an environmental and human rights crisis."
Organizers also noted the Sydenham River delta is one of Canada's richest ecosystems; is home to rare Carolinian forests, marshes, and tall-grass prairie; nesting grounds for threatened birds and amphibians; a sanctuary for 80 fish species and 34 mussel species with more than 20 at risk.
The group added the Great Lakes region generates nearly $6 trillion in GDP and without clean water that economy collapses.
"The stakes are global, the risk irreversible," the group stated.
Co-organizer Chloe White-Deleary said this is the first year for the canoe relay.
She wants the province to reconsider the landfill and has a message for Premier Doug Ford.
"I would ask him if he's ever been to Dresden and see how beautiful it is. And is he aware that the pollution will go into Molly's Creek and will filter into the Great Lakes. And does he know how damaging that will be," said White-Deleary. "We have to not be silent. We have to show that we care about things like this and we're not okay with it."
The movement is calling on upper levels of government to honour treaties, regulatory bodies to protect aquifers and sacred waters, and the public to stand for environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty.
Each canoe team comprised of two paddlers will complete a relay-style three kilometre segment.
Safety guides and life jackets are required and participants must be 16 and over to paddle.
Those wishing to register their team or volunteer for the July 13, 2025 event can contact Chloe White-Deleary at chloewhitedeleary@gmail.com.