A Meeting of Sacred Waters (Sacred Waters) is a biennial meeting that creates space for stewards to share worldviews, values, and knowledge in the collective effort to restore and protect the health of traditional waterways. Gathering in the Pueblo of Isleta, Sacred Waters 2026 brought together more than 200 participants representing more than 40 Tribes, Nations, and Iwi. In this video, we share highlights from our time together. We move forward with good hearts into action and continue our efforts to transform systems.

This video was produced by No Reservations Productions.

Fulfilling our Sacred Responsibilities to Creation: Revitalizing the Indigenous Mind, Body and Spirit

A Meeting of Sacred Waters Keynote Speaker

Dr. Dan Longboat - Roronhiakewen (He Clears the Sky)Turtle Clan, member of the Mohawk Nation and Citizen of the Haudenosaunee Six Nations Confederacy (Canada)Dr. Longboat reminds us that Indigenous laws and values born from Creation guide how we carry ourselves in the world and how we relate to one another and our natural world. He talks about the wampum belt and the parallel journey of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples along the river of life. The relationship between us is eternal, guided by the principles of peace, respect, and friendship to be upheld by us both. The wampum belt is also a symbol of the two knowledge systems and worldviews, how they can work together, and the principles that guide how knowledge is shared as established by our ancestors. Today, we need to apply these principles to create true collaboration and cooperation across knowledge systems for positive change in the world so that all life will continue.

Nearly 200 people representing Indigenous Communities from Turtle Island and across the Pacific traveled to the Pueblo of Isleta in New Mexico for A Meeting of Sacred Waters held March 12-13, 2024. From this gathering place, one could see the Rio Grande River, or as it is known in Isleta, the Mother Blue River. Sadly, the river is no longer safe for drinking or cultural purposes due to pollution caused by the City of Albuquerque. Twenty-three sovereign Pueblos and Tribal Nations have fought for decades to protect the Rio Grande River Basin. However, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has left more than 90 percent of the state’s surface waters without environmental protections, making them the most threatened waterways in the U.S. This story is just one of many shared at the gathering. Indigenous-led solutions are needed to address today’s water challenges and shift power dynamics in a way that respects sovereignty and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Indigenous wellbeing is based on interconnected social and ecological systems that are being disrupted by the changing climate. Ken Paul will explore traditional Wolastoqey teachings for balancing spiritual, emotional, physical and mental health in the individual, and then expand on these teachings to a societal level. During this interactive webinar, we will discuss some of the priorities necessary to have healthy nations and societies, while examining modern pressures that push us out of balance. The framework that will be shared is based on a traditional 4 directions model and can be applied to many other aspects of our daily lives.

In 2020, concerns for the threatened Colorado River Basin drove Indigenous Leaders from Arizona on a remarkable journey to meet the Māori peoples of the Whanganui River. After winning a 175-year battle, the Whanganui River Tribes inspired the world when New Zealand law recognized their river as a living entity. Indigenous Leaders from tribes in Arizona and the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand participated in an Indigenous knowledge exchange about the health and healing of our rivers. Selection: American Indian Film Festival 2021 Best Documentary Hepwesa Award Winner: Indie Film Fest 2023 Director: Anna Marbrook