How Can a Lake be Considered a Person?

In this article published in the Spring Federation newsletter, Sr. Anne Karges explains how Indigenous and local communities can work together to protect water biodiversity, citing the recent announcement that Alderville First Nation has granted legal personhood to Rice Lake.

Blue Community Steering Committee Celebrates World Water Day

On March 9, the Blue Community Steering Committee hosted a special celebration of World Water Day (which is commemorated annually by the United Nations on March 22). You can read Sr. Loretta Manzara’s article about the event as well as view a recording of the event here. Please use this passcode to access the recording: f2#Dx.ie

The Journey from CSJ 'Green' to Hammond 'Blue'

In this article, we learn about how the in Canada Congregation’s growing sense of Earth where all created life is a gift of God resulted in a building construction that included several environmental features – including a green roof.

2025 Children's Water Festival in Peterborough

The Children’s Water Festival in Peterborough is held annually and offers free outdoor, hand-on education to students in grades 2-5 on water protection and conservation. With support from the Federation’s Blue Community Steering Committee, more than 1,300 students participated this year!

A Special Message from Maude Barlow

This special message in the Federation’s September (2025) newsletter reminds us that “our commitment to think blue is more important than ever”.

2025 World Wetlands Day Event Recording

On January 29th, the Federation’s Blue Community Steering Committee and the Ecology Committee co-hosted a special World Wetlands Day celebration. This Zoom-based event included beautiful prayers, a short video, and knowledgeable information sharing. To view a recording of the event please use passcode ^f7J=LgY to view it.

Little Blue Planet: Turn the World Blue

In these Blue Community Steering Committee updates, Sr. Anne Karges shares thoughts and resources on how we can all care for water.

Protecting Water as a Human Right… At Home and Abroad

In this December 2024 Federation newsletter article, CSJ Blue Community Steering Committee member Sabrina Chiefari reminds us that in Ontario, there remain ~20 boil-water advisories in First Nations Communities and shows how Sisters and allies are standing with Indigenous peoples at home and abroad.  

The Sacredness of Water in Métis Culture

In the September Federation newsletter, guest writer Michelle Woodhouse describes how water holds a profound spiritual significance in Métis culture and tradition which “depict water as a source of wisdom, strength and guidance”.

One River, Two Futures Poster and Guide

The One River, Two Futures: Reflections on Water poster and Guide can be used in schools, communities, and with groups who want to explore their relationship to water.  ​Download the poster (8.5 x 11 inch) or email to receive the full-sized (24 x 36 inch) version.  You can also download the accompanying Learning/Action Guide.

How to Stop Selling/Using Bottled Water

This brochure provides information to groups and institutions who would like to stop selling and/or using plastic water bottles on their premises or at events, and encourages the creation of local water and land acknowledgments. 

The CSJ Journey To Become a Blue Community

This short video was created by the in Canada Congregation to explain the crisis facing our planet and our commitment to clean drinking water as a human right.

Municipal Election Guide for Conversations about Water

During the next municipal election, this Guide (originally created in 2022) will help you participate in the democratic process by suggesting key questions for candidates as well as elected officials around policies and approaches to water management.

CSJ Blue Community Table Coasters Available

You can order up to 25 CSJ Blue Community environmentally-friendly table coasters as a reminder of your commitment to water as the first medicine

Video About the Global Plastic Bottle Issue

This Council of Canadians video exposes the global issue of plastic bottled water.