The Women’s Water Walk will begin Saturday, Sept. 19, at Oquaga Creek State Park with an opening ceremony honoring water, community and the protection of local waterways.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Arctic Lake, followed by the start of the approximately 7.5-mile walk at 12:30 p.m. The first day’s route will end at Butts Road, crossing Masonville Creek.
Organized by the Waterfall Unity Alliance, the walk is led by Indigenous grandmothers and is rooted in prayer and community action. Organizers said the event is intended to raise awareness about the proposed Constitution Pipeline and what they describe as potential threats to water, land and rural communities.
The Constitution Pipeline is a proposed 30-inch natural gas pipeline that would run from northeastern Pennsylvania to Schoharie County, New York. The project was denied a water-quality certification by New York in 2016. Organizers say a renewed federal effort to advance the project has provided little opportunity for community input.
Yarrow said the proposed pipeline route would cross forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat and farmland, including more than 300 water bodies and 82 trout-stream crossings.
The opening ceremony will include a fire ceremony on the lake beach led by Owén Sandra Deer and Abuela Kunana. Members of the Onondaga Women’s Singers, Yarrow, Bless the Streets and other singers, artists, organizers and community members will participate in water-honoring songs and prayers.
Abuela Kunanate Nanixitemikimetzli of the New York Moondance said the walk is intended to encourage communities to protect local water resources.
Parking and restroom facilities will be available at Oquaga Creek State Park.
Sidney reception
The walk will continue Sunday, Sept. 20, when participants will cross the proposed pipeline route for the first time in Pine Hill State Forest outside Sidney before continuing into the village.
A public reception will be held from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at La Patrona, 64-66 Main St. The event will include music by singer-songwriter Dar Williams, Yarrow and members of the Onondaga Women’s Singers, along with a pipeline information session and community discussion.
La Patrona will offer a discounted menu in support of the Water Walk.
Additional information about the route, schedule, participation and ways to support the walk is available at womenswaterwalk.org
