The Power of Language in Shaping Water Mindsets
Language is more than just a means of communication – it is a window into the very fabric of a culture’s relationship with the natural world. When it comes to water, the words we use reflect profound understandings and worldviews that have been honed over generations. By delving into the linguistic roots of water-related terminology, we can uncover valuable insights that can guide us towards a more sustainable and equitable water future.
Consider the Mohawk word “Tyonnhekhwen,” which refers to the “life sustainers” – the fruits, vegetables, and particularly the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) that have nourished Indigenous communities for millennia. The very act of describing these foods as “they that sustain us” imbues them with a sense of reverence and responsibility. It is a constant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world, where we are not merely consumers, but caretakers of the resources that sustain us.
This holistic worldview is further reflected in the Mohawk language, which is predominantly verb-based. Rather than viewing objects and elements as static entities, the language emphasizes the constant state of “doing” and “being” that defines the natural world. Water, for example, is not just a “thing” to be extracted and commodified, but a living, dynamic force that is intricately woven into the cycles of the Earth.
“When you have a language that’s built like that, what kind of thinking does that perpetuate?” asks Mohawk language advocate Ryan DeCaire. “You have this kind of symbiotic relationship between the language and the way people think.”
Bridging the Generational Divide
The preservation of these culturally-rooted water understandings is not just an academic exercise – it is a vital component of community resilience and sustainability. As Indigenous communities around the world grapple with the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and the legacy of colonial policies, the intergenerational transmission of traditional water knowledge has become a critical battleground.
“People revitalize a language, but really a language revitalizes a people,” observes DeCaire. “And food revitalizes a people.”
This sentiment is echoed by Maria Blas Cacari, an Indigenous P’urepecha collaborator, who shares the example of the word “Kestzitacua” – a term that encompasses the sacred offering of food to one’s ancestors during the Day of the Dead festivities. “This reveals another belief that the ancestors are with us, and we communicate with them regularly through food,” Blas Cacari explains.
By preserving and revitalizing these language-based understandings, communities can reaffirm their cultural identities, strengthen social cohesion, and cultivate a deeper respect for the natural systems that sustain them. However, this process is not without its challenges, as many Indigenous languages have been systematically suppressed and marginalized over the course of colonial histories.
Reclaiming Water Knowledge through Language
Across Canada, only a small percentage of the original 90 Indigenous languages remain, with three out of four considered endangered. The passage of the Indigenous Languages Act in 2019 was a critical step towards supporting the “reclamation, revitalization, maintaining, and strengthening of Indigenous languages,” but much work remains to be done.
At the community level, dedicated individuals and organizations are spearheading efforts to revive these linguistic and cultural practices. In the Lil’wat Nation, for example, Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, a professor emerita of Indigenous Education, has been a tireless advocate for language revitalization programs. Her work, recognized with the Order of Canada in 2019, underscores the vital role that language plays in preserving traditional ecological knowledge and fostering a deep connection to the land.
But the responsibility to support these efforts does not lie solely with Indigenous communities. As DeCaire notes, non-Indigenous allies and partners can play a crucial role in the broader Truth and Reconciliation process, by “understanding what it means to be Canadian, after having been lied to for their whole lives” and actively working to “right the wrongs that have been done in the past.”
Cultivating an Intergenerational Water Ethic
By immersing themselves in the language and worldviews of Indigenous cultures, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationships between water, land, and community. This understanding can inform more sustainable and equitable water management practices, grounded in a reverence for the natural world and a commitment to safeguarding its resources for future generations.
“Language isn’t just a means of communication,” DeCaire explains. “There are thousands and thousands of years stored within the language, as well as deep understanding about how to live within the cycles of the Earth.”
This sentiment is echoed in the work of the Joint Action for Water initiative, which recognizes the vital role of community engagement and the preservation of traditional knowledge in addressing global water and sanitation challenges. By fostering collaborative partnerships and amplifying the voices of those on the frontlines of water issues, the organization aims to empower communities to reclaim their water sovereignty and cultivate a more just and sustainable water future.
As we navigate the complex and intertwined issues of water scarcity, pollution, and inequitable access, the lessons of language and intergenerational knowledge-sharing offer a profound blueprint for redefining our relationship with this most precious of resources. By embracing the “liquid legacies” of diverse cultural traditions, we can collectively work towards a future where water is not just a commodity, but a living, breathing entity that nourishes and sustains all life on Earth.
Unlocking the Power of Intergenerational Learning
The preservation and transmission of traditional water knowledge is not just a matter of linguistic preservation – it is a holistic process of cultural revitalization and community empowerment. By engaging in intergenerational learning, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike can develop a deeper understanding of the complex web of relationships that define sustainable water management.
This process often begins with the elders, who serve as the keepers of ancestral wisdom and the living embodiment of a community’s water ethos. Through storytelling, ceremonial practices, and hands-on instruction, they pass on critical knowledge about the seasonal cycles of water, the medicinal properties of local plant species, and the sacred responsibilities that come with being a steward of the land.
“There’s so much to learn: songs and dance and stories and speeches, to do birthing and funeral ceremonies, to raise your kids as first language speakers,” DeCaire explains. “You have to shelter your family, because if you’re not careful, you lose it all.”
But the revitalization of this knowledge is not just a one-way street. By engaging with youth and fostering cross-generational dialogue, elders can also learn from the unique perspectives and digital skills of the next generation, creating a dynamic exchange that enriches the entire community.
Harnessing the Power of Partnerships
As communities work to reclaim their water sovereignty and preserve their cultural water knowledge, strategic partnerships can play a crucial role in amplifying their efforts and catalyzing meaningful change.
Organizations like Joint Action for Water have recognized the importance of these collaborative relationships, working to bridge the gap between grassroots initiatives and larger-scale policy and advocacy work. By providing funding, technical support, and networking opportunities, they empower local communities to share their stories, showcase their successes, and inspire other groups to follow in their footsteps.
But the onus is not solely on external organizations. Within Indigenous communities, the fostering of intergenerational relationships and the cultivation of shared purpose can be equally transformative. As DeCaire notes, the work of language revitalization and cultural preservation requires a deep personal commitment, as well as a willingness to make sacrifices in order to “always be in your community, always working hard to restore your language, to restore that way of thinking.”
By cultivating these multifaceted partnerships – both within and beyond their communities – Indigenous peoples can harness the power of collective action to reclaim their water knowledge, strengthen their cultural identities, and shape a more equitable and sustainable water future for all.
Conclusion: Embracing the Liquid Legacies
In a world grappling with the mounting challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and inequitable access, the preservation of traditional water knowledge has never been more crucial. By delving into the linguistic roots of water-related terminology, we can uncover profound insights into the cultural worldviews that have guided sustainable water management for generations.
From the Mohawk concept of “Tyonnhekhwen” – the “life sustainers” that nourish both body and spirit – to the P’urepecha tradition of “Kestzitacua” – the sacred offering of food to ancestral spirits – these liquid legacies offer a powerful blueprint for redefining our relationship with this most precious of resources.
By embracing the lessons of language and intergenerational knowledge-sharing, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can work together to cultivate a more equitable, sustainable, and culturally-responsive water future. Through collaborative partnerships and a deep commitment to preserving traditional water wisdom, we can unlock the transformative potential of these liquid legacies, ensuring that they continue to flow through the generations to come.
