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.

This resource guide was created as a starting point for those seeking to learn more about environmental racism.