Relationships and responsibilities between Anishinaabek and Nokomis Giizis (Grandmother Moon) inform N’bi (Water) governance

Abstract

Efforts continue to evolve for sustainable and inclusive water governance in Canada. All humanity relies on N’bi (Water) for life, yet contrasting views and knowledge on N’bi still elude water governance. Far too often, Indigenous women are left out of water governance regardless of their relationships and responsibilities to and for N’bi. Indigenous women, more specifically Anishinaabek (Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island also known as Canada and the USA) kweok (women) understand the relationships and responsibilities Nokomis Giizis (Grandmother Moon) has to N’bi through the cycles of kweok and Nokomis Giizis and how this is guided through natural law. This article explores the relationships and responsibilities between Anishinaabek kweok and Nokomis Giizis and how it can inform water governance based on Anishinaabek naaknigewin (law).