Resources

On September 22, 2025, we met at the Assiniboine and Red Rivers to discuss how Winnipeg’s wastewater reflects and perpetuates environmental racism and colonialism. Dr. Kathy Bird spoke about the interconnectedness of the waters and reminded us that what we do to the waters in Winnipeg impacts our neighbours downstream. With profound insight and storytelling, she called us to a deep respect for the waters, both in spirit and in action. Dr. Jocelyn Thorpe shared about the reality of sewage that flows into the rivers not only when pipes break but when we have a heavy rainfall and the combined sewers overflow. Finally, Councillor Brian Mayes brought our attention to the need for federal support for the North End Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades, which would greatly reduce the amount of nutrients that flow into Lake Winnipeg.

We provided the postcards below as a way for attendees to advocate for the waters, and for our neighbours downstream. Please feel free to print these postcards and send to your MPs, MLAs and city councillors with a personal message about your connection to and hope for the waters. Below the postcards we have provided a few additional resources, including links to help you find your MP, MLA and city councillor, and some prompts for writing an effective letter.