Eagle and Scarlet Macaw

“How do we save our home” said Scarlet Macaw to the Eagle. Eagle said, “Our people started years ago to bring the idea of women as the protectors of water. They got the message in the 1970’s. Minnesota got the message in 1980’s. In present day, 2020’s the word is growing exponentially.

Two elder women from Canada came down to the United States, to ask the women to take on the charge of gathering to pray for the water and our families."

"At first it was a full moon ceremony. Within 4 days before the full moon to 4 days after the full moon woman gathered in song and prayer for the water and our families. Our people are star people and we keep track of the moon and how it effects earth.

The ceremonies were held with songs, prayers and woman and girls. Men could participate by keeping the fire but in many places the women did that too. This went on for some time and continues to this day.

Then there are the water walks, where every step is a prayer and the weekly water ceremonies began. This work took time. Some of the original women have died now. It is up to others to take this on and they have."

Scarlet Macaw said, "And just how does this help to save our home?" Eagle responded, "In the water ceremony, the women wear skirts, they smudge, and hold a talking circle and in that circle, they share what they are doing for mother earth.

They use asema (traditional tobacco), which was given to our people by the Creator to use when we wish to be heard. We talk about what is happening around the country. We pray for water walkers all over mother earth. We pray for the water.

We are aware that we all are made up of a large percentage of water and even though we may not agree with what others are doing to our mother earth we know that our prayers are for them too, when we pray for the water."

"I see, we will pray for the water and in that way we will be praying for our home," said the Scarlet Macaw. Eagle then continued, "Men are always welcome. They just do not carry the water. We need our men to be involved in this very important life way.

Some of the woman have been strong advocates, and activists for their entire life. Some making the choice at a young age to not marry or have children. Some of the women are married with children that have been recycling, reusing and repurposing for 50 years.

All believe in taking care of mother earth for future generations. This is a way of being that demands commitment. Many may not see the change being prayed for in our lifetime."

"Some were told in the beginning, why is that so important? Prayer for the water? Gathering for the water? Why aren’t you praying for our addicted, our suicides, our lost? The simple answer is water is life. Without water there is no life.

We have all the water we will ever have. The oceans, lakes, rivers and streams. Evaporation, rain, ground water, used for drinking and life. I think you get the picture. Some don’t know and don’t care and can’t care about anything except getting through the day.

Those that choose this may be ahead of their time. Just like you choose saving your home. People have asked, is that all you do? I answer, most have full lives and take time out of them for this important commitment. Many have other causes that are as important to them!"

Then Eagle said, "Who makes sense to help you with saving your home? Is this a new endeavor for your people? Endangered species is always an issue and there are people who take that issue on with a passion and get legislation to protect various endangered species and that should mean you too.

I will pass the word to the water protectors, and they can include you in their prayers if you like? And maybe you and your people can pray for the water too." "Thank you, we will pray for the water and you can ask the water protectors for prayers for saving our home," answered Scarlet Macaw.