Highlighting Keepers of the Water

Keepers of the Water is an Indigenous-led non-profit dedicated to safeguarding the interconnected waters that flow from the Rocky Mountain headwaters through Treaty 6, 8 and 11 territories and onward to the Arctic Ocean.

“Our work is rooted in Indigenous and natural law, ceremony and community-based action,” explains Jesse Cardinal, Executive Director of Keepers of the Water. “We support and stand alongside First Nations, Métis communities, Elders, land users, youth and northern families whose wellbeing is tied to the health of the land and water.”

With McConnell’s support, Keepers of the Water achieved a major milestone: protecting the Athabasca River from the proposed “treat‑and‑release” of toxic oilsands tailings (waste material from mining). Through community mobilization, public advocacy and coordinated leadership across Treaty 8 and 11, Keepers of the Water helped delay and continue to oppose any release of tailings into the river system.

Further, Keepers of the Water also strengthened cultural and land-based programming, expanded youth-elder engagement and advanced its Indigenous-led Water Monitoring Program, including the development of an interactive water data map. These efforts are helping communities assert their inherent rights, respond to industrial pressures and safeguard the waters that sustain all living beings.

McConnell’s involvement went beyond funding. “McConnell’s support strengthened the credibility and visibility of Indigenous-led water protection at a national level,” says Cardinal, adding that this partnership helped to deepen connections with other foundations and networks, which created opportunities for collaboration and relationship-building.