Indigenous Arts & Stories - A Water Walker's Path

My name is Arianna Ominika. I’m an Ojibwe youth from Wikwemikong, located on the largest freshwater island in the world.
I started painting just last September when the school year started. Since then, art has become a very important part of my life. It takes my mind off of things, therefore making me feel better. And I know other artists can say the same.
With that being said, I’ve really enjoyed painting this piece. “A Water Walker’s Path”, is an acrylic painting of water walkers walking along a rocky shore line in Kaboni. My inspiration came from my late auntie, Karen Manitowabi, whom I believe helped start the annual water walk here in my community.
For those of you who don’t know, a water walk is where everyone comes together as a community to help pray for the water and the well-being of others. The water walk was started to raise awareness about the water and how contaminated it is and continues to be.. And as native people, we have a role to protect the land and water, as we have that spiritual connection to the land.
Just last May, I got the chance to participate in the water walk, and it was definitely one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had so far. The stories I’ve heard, the animals and beautiful scenery I’ve seen were incredible and unforgettable.
Anyways I just wanted to share the beauty of water, and the beauty of the journey water walker’s take to pray for our water.