Does Lake Superior have a voice?
A group of grandmothers say they believe it does. And you can hear what they say the lake has said to them in a movie. The movie, "Grandmothers Gathering for Gitchigaaming," highlights the importance of water.
The premiere film screening is scheduled in conjunction with Lake Superior Day on Sunday, July 15 at the Zinema 2 Theatre from 5-6:30 p.m. and is free to attend.
According to producer Erin DeWitt, "This film captures the wisdom shared by 13 diverse elder women at an inter-generational event during the Grandmothers Gathering for Gitchigaaming on Madeline Island in 2011." The women say they believe that Lake Superior speaks to them and that they speak in appreciation of Gitchigaaming and all water.
"We all need it (water) equally. All creatures and all races," said DeWitt.
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The 13 women include Josephine Mandamin and Margaret Behan.
Mandamin has logged many hours walking. She and her sister inspired the Mother Earth Water Walk in 2011. Joined by a group of Anishinabe women, men and other folks from across North America, they walked across the continent carrying ocean water to the center -- Lake Superior -- to raise awareness on the importance of water.
"It was symbolic of water as a unifier," said DeWitt.
They also walked with a group of Anishinabe and supporters around Lake Superior in 2003, Lake Michigan in 2004 and Lake Huron. This is Mandamin's second time at the Grandmothers Gathering.
Margaret Behan is a member of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. According to a press release, the American Indian elders "represent a global alliance of prayer, education and healing for Mother Earth, all her inhabitants, and all the children for the next seven generations to come. They advocate for Mother Earth and the indigenous ways of life.
The film is 55 minutes long. A short discussion will follow, with local producer Erin DeWitt and one of the Grandmothers attending the gathering.
