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FOLLOW US
September 22, 2025
Winnipeg, Wastewater, and Environmental Racism
How does Winnipeg’s wastewater reflect and perpetuate environmental racism and colonialism? Please join the Just Waters project for an evening of learning about the history and politics of Winnipeg’s sewage system. We will hear researchers and community leaders reflect on how Winnipeg’s wastewater system impacts land, waters, people and Indigenous communities who are on the front line of environmental injustice.
Join us on Monday, September 22 on the Red and Assiniboine Rivers at The Forks Historic Port. Just Waters and the Centre for Human Rights Research are collaborating to host this event, in partnership with The Forks. Funding is provided by the University of Manitoba’s IGNITE program, with in-kind contributions from The Forks.
Speakers:
- Dr. Kathy Bird
- Dr. Jocelyn Thorpe
FREE. No registration required.
If you have accessibility requirements, including translation, please email sarah.deckert@umanitoba.ca at least one week before the event. The event will take place outside in an area accessible by ramp. In the case of heavy rain or lightning, we will announce a rain location on social media.
Link to location map: The Forks Historic Port
About the Speakers
Kathy, originally from Norway House MB, lives in Peguis, MB and has worked as a Community Health Nurse, in the Peguis Traditional Healing Program, Peguis Health Services, and Matootoo Lake Medicine Lodge, for 45 years. She learned Indigenous medicines and healing ceremonies for 40 years. Her ancestry is Cree, Nakota and Anishinabe. She is of the Minweyweywigaan Midewin Lodge. Her teacher, Pinukwium has given her direction to share the knowledge of the medicines with Indigenous people. In 2003, she and knowledge keeper, Dr. Edna Manitowabi, set up a 4-year Indigenous Medicine Camp to teach and share the sacred medicine teachings with Indigenous people.
On June 21, 2002, Aki Maskiki Na Nan Da Wii Way Win (Earth Medicine – Healing), was recognized, receiving a Spirit of the Earth Award, sponsored by Manitoba Hydro. In 1997, she was recognized by her colleagues, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, with an award of excellence in the Clinical category for the dedication and work done in the Traditional Healing Program. In July, 2021, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education (HonDEd), Indigenous Knowledge and Development, from the World Indigenous Nations University, Blue Quills, AB.
Dr. Jocelyn Thorpe is a settler professor of women’s and gender studies and history. She studies histories and legacies of colonialism and environmental injustice, as well as the creative ways that people work toward a more just world. She has directed the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture since 2021.
