Reiley Terbasket, Biodiversity Associate at CIER, has returned from an inspiring and eye-opening trip to Stockholm, Sweden, where she had the honour of attending the World Water Week 2024 conference.

With support from the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and Canada Water Agency, Reiley participated alongside four other passionate Indigenous youth from Canada in this global event that focused on tackling water issues and developing sustainable solutions.

World Water Week is one of the largest platforms for discussing water sustainability and solutions to global water issues. In 2024, the conference brought together experts, policymakers, and youth from around the world to share ideas and strategies for tackling water scarcity, pollution, and climate change.

Reiley and the Canadian Indigenous youth delegation had the chance to engage in discussions that explored innovative solutions and to learn from global leaders in the field. Together, they led an interactive art-based workshop at the conference and shared insights on Indigenous Peoples’ efforts in water conservation, sustainable resource management, and Indigenous water rights, contributing to the global conversation. The experience emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping solutions for the future of water.

What made this trip particularly special was the opportunity to attend alongside four other youth from the Indigenous Youth, Art and Water Initiative (IYAWI), the first phase of the Indigenous Water Allyship—a meaningful partnership between CIER, the One Drop Foundation and partners from the private sector to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada. The allyship supports the improvement of living conditions and health through water and art. IYAWI seeks to engage Indigenous Youth in creating an impactful social art project in response to water-related issues and inequalities in Canada.

“I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to work alongside such talented Indigenous youth,” says Reiley. “I was inspired by their incredible artistic skills, their deep knowledge of their communities, and their profound connection to water. Through this experience, I learned valuable lessons from these youth about the critical importance of protecting the water now and for the future generations.”

After a yearlong endeavour, IYAWI has now reached its end, with the mark of the Celebratory Gathering that took place in November 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. Nine Indigenous communities across Canada have successfully completed social art projects related to the water challenges in their communities. Art formats include murals, digital media artwork, virtual reality, water ceremonies, PhotoVoice, Coast Salish carving, and art exhibitions.

IYAWI and the trip to World Water Week has left Reiley, and her fellow Indigenous youth delegates, inspired to bring back the lessons learned and continue advocating for water sustainability in their communities.