Walking for the Water

Kelsey Leonard is a PhD candidate from the Department of Political Science at McMaster University and the first Native American woman to earn a science degree from the University of Oxford, which she earned in 2012, she has an MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management from St. Cross College, Her master's thesis, “Water Quality For Native Nations: Achieving A Trust Responsibility”, discusses water quality regulation and how water resources on tribal land are not protected. Kelsey strives to be a strong advocate for the protection of Indigenous waters through enhanced interjurisdictional coordination and meaningful consultation. She has been instrumental in protecting the interests of Tribes with the development of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan and building a sustainable ocean future by valuing Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge. A part of her research has been creating dialogue with the Great Lake Water Walkers to better understand the threats to water protection in the Great Lakes, representing a call to action for Indigenous water governance.

On March 7, 2019, Kelsey Leonard (Shinnecock First Nation), scholar in water policy from McMaster University and water protector, gave a compelling presentation titled “Walking for the Water” at the faculty of Environmental Studies at York University. Her presentation discussed her research and experience with water walkers and how they have created awareness of the importance of water globally. Kelsey advocates for Indigenous approaches for taking care of water.