The Protector (Encore)
Update: 2024-12-27
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Water has always been important to your family and your culture. When you discover that not everyone has access to clean water, you know that you have to stand up for your community and make a change.
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Transcript
00:00:00
1D Plus subscribers can listen to whose amazing life early and add-free right now.
00:00:05
Join 1D Plus in the 1D app or 1D Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
00:00:10
From 1D I'm Cree Summer and this is Who's Amazing Start?
00:00:23
A special many episode of Who's Amazing Life.
00:00:27
You've heard of people who've changed the course of history.
00:00:31
But this episode is about someone who's making history right now.
00:00:36
Just like you, they're still getting their start in life.
00:00:40
Their journey is just beginning.
00:00:43
On this episode, you will be that person everyone knows.
00:00:47
You might be a musician or an addict, a scientist or a painter.
00:00:55
There will be clues so pay attention and this is a many episodes so it moves fast.
00:01:01
Listen to the end to find out who you are.
00:01:05
So sit back and imagine your amazing life as the Protector.
00:01:12
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00:01:18
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00:01:24
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00:01:28
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00:01:33
Imagine you're standing on the shore of a large lake.
00:01:39
The water shimmering in the sunlight.
00:01:42
Surrounding the lake are tall green trees.
00:01:45
You're 8 years old and your mom is right by your side.
00:01:49
A few feet away other people from the community are also starting to gather.
00:01:54
You're part of the Anishinaabek First Nations Indigenous Group in Canada.
00:01:59
And today you and your mom are doing one of your favorite things.
00:02:04
Attending a water ceremony.
00:02:07
Water ceremonies are sacred.
00:02:10
They're performed to give thanks to the water, to acknowledge that all life depends on water.
00:02:16
Without water none of us would be here.
00:02:20
Your mom gives you a small smile.
00:02:23
She's always taught you that water is alive and has its own spirit.
00:02:28
The spirit of water is in every lake, puddle and raindrop.
00:02:34
And we all must respect and care for it.
00:02:39
As the group praise and sings several women hold out ceremonial copper pots full of water.
00:02:45
You've attended many water ceremonies in your life.
00:02:49
But you never tire of being part of this tradition with your family and your people.
00:02:56
Once the ceremony concludes, you tap your mom's arm.
00:03:00
I'm just going to run to the bathroom.
00:03:02
Be right back.
00:03:03
But as you step inside the bathroom, you notice something odd.
00:03:08
There are signs plastered on the mirror and all over the walls.
00:03:12
Do not drink the water.
00:03:15
Not for consumption.
00:03:18
Boil water advisory.
00:03:21
Huh?
00:03:22
Mom!
00:03:23
Mom!
00:03:24
Can you come in here?
00:03:26
Is something wrong?
00:03:28
You point to the sign.
00:03:30
What does boil water advisory mean?
00:03:33
It's a warning.
00:03:35
When you boil water, it kills any harmful germs and bacteria.
00:03:40
The water in this area is tainted.
00:03:42
So it's only safe to use once it's been boiled.
00:03:45
You think for a minute.
00:03:47
So why don't we boil our water at home?
00:03:51
The water in the area where we live is safe.
00:03:55
But the water in this area is contaminated from pollution.
00:03:59
There are oil pipelines that run through this land.
00:04:02
And sometimes the pipelines leak chemicals and pollute the water.
00:04:07
So the chemicals make the water poisonous?
00:04:12
That's right.
00:04:13
It can make people very sick.
00:04:15
So on a hot day, you wouldn't even be able to take a quick drink of cold water from the sink.
00:04:21
You're shocked.
00:04:23
As you and your mom head home, you glance back towards the lake.
00:04:27
It's hard to believe that something so sacred and beautiful could be so at risk and put people in danger too.
00:04:36
You've always had access to safe, clean drinking water.
00:04:40
But now you can't stop thinking about all those who don't.
00:04:45
And you wonder, is there anything you can do to help?
00:04:52
As soon as you get home, you dive into research.
00:04:56
You learn that there is a water crisis in indigenous areas all across Canada.
00:05:01
Some communities haven't had clean water in almost 20 years.
00:05:06
It hits you that there are kids just like you who've spent their whole lives worrying that doing normal things like taking a shower, washing their hands,
00:05:17
and even drinking a glass of water could make them seriously ill.
00:05:22
There must be someone doing something about this.
00:05:28
But based on what you're finding online, that's not the case.
00:05:33
Sure, there are warning signs like the one you saw in the bathroom.
00:05:37
But very little is being done to fix the real problem, a contaminated water.
00:05:43
You show your mom what you've uncovered, and she has an idea.
00:05:48
Why don't you give a presentation about this at school?
00:05:52
You can teach other kids about the importance of clean water and encourage them to help.
00:05:58
Do you really think they'll listen to me?
00:06:01
I mean, I'm just a kid.
00:06:04
The adults let the problem get this bad.
00:06:07
Maybe it'll take the kids to fix it.
00:06:09
You nod in agreement and get to work.
00:06:15
You're standing at the front of your classroom.
00:06:18
You're nervous and your heart is beating fast.
00:06:22
All the kids in your class are looking at you with blank expressions waiting for you to start.
00:06:29
I'm here to talk about the importance of clean water.
00:06:34
There are many first nation's communities who don't have access to clean water because of the pollution from oil pipelines.
00:06:42
You pause.
00:06:43
Not all of your classmates are indigenous.
00:06:46
Will they still care?
00:06:49
But as you look at the group, you see many of them are listening.
00:06:54
Some lean forward in their seats curious.
00:06:57
Other spaces look concerned.
00:06:59
You take a deep breath and continue.
00:07:02
There are places not far from here.
00:07:04
Neighborhoods just like ours, where people can't even pour themselves a glass of tap water.
00:07:10
They have to get it from a well and then boil it before it's safe to drink.
00:07:15
Even then, there's still a risk of getting sick.
00:07:19
One of your classmates' hands shoots up into the air.
00:07:23
I have a question.
00:07:25
If you want to make ice, do they have to boil it first and then freeze it?
00:07:30
Me too, me too.
00:07:31
I have a question too.
00:07:33
I go and you can't drink it, but let's deal with the showers.
00:07:38
More and more kids start asking questions.
00:07:41
They want to learn more and they want to help.
00:07:44
You don't have all the answers, but at least now, you know what to research next.
00:07:50
That afternoon, you're walking down the school hallway ready to head home.
00:07:57
You were nervous during your presentation, but you did it.
00:08:01
Maybe you'll actually be able to make a difference in the world.
00:08:05
Just then, you hear your name, but it's not because someone is talking to you.
00:08:11
She just likes the attention.
00:08:13
I bet you loved having all eyes on her.
00:08:15
Are we really supposed to believe people can't take showers?
00:08:19
My parents said her people just don't understand the economy.
00:08:23
We need those pipelines.
00:08:25
They're surprised and hurt, but instead of confronting the kids, you just look down at the floor and shuffle out of the school.
00:08:35
You didn't expect all of your classmates to understand.
00:08:39
You know from your research that it's a complicated issue, and that some people are determined to pretend everything is fine.
00:08:47
But the teasing comments are enough to make you pause and wonder.
00:08:52
You can't fight this battle on your own.
00:08:55
If kids won't take you seriously, how will you ever get the adults to listen to you?
00:09:01
Even though others can be unkind, it doesn't stop you from spreading awareness about water inequality.
00:09:12
In fact, ignorant remarks just motivate you to work even harder.
00:09:17
You want to spread your message on a bigger scale, so you start using social media as a platform to speak out.
00:09:25
Other people notice your posts and spread the message far and wide.
00:09:30
After gaining more attention, you're invited to attend the Children's Climate Conference in Sweden.
00:09:37
You meet kids from all over the world to discuss climate change, and your solutions are later presented to world leaders.
00:09:45
You're starting to feel like your hard work might actually make a difference.
00:09:51
Almost a year later, when you're 12 years old, something even more exciting happens.
00:09:58
You're invited to the annual meeting for the Assembly of First Nations, which helps indigenous communities across Canada.
00:10:07
This is a huge deal.
00:10:09
The organizers give you a special honor.
00:10:13
You'll personally deliver a present to none other than the Prime Minister.
00:10:18
You'll be faced to face with the leader of your whole country.
00:10:23
You don't dislike the Prime Minister, but some of his policies and decisions have made the water crisis worse.
00:10:31
And nobody's really called him out on it.
00:10:35
You decide to write a powerful speech to say to him when the moment comes.
00:10:39
This is your moment to make your voice heard.
00:10:43
But when the organizers hear of your plan, they squash it.
00:10:48
Give a speech to the Prime Minister.
00:10:53
Just smile and hand him the present.
00:10:56
That's all we have time for, and it's all we can allow.
00:11:00
You hear what they're saying, but this type of opportunity is once in a lifetime.
00:11:06
Should you defy the grownups and speak your mind?
00:11:10
And if you do, will the Prime Minister listen?
00:11:16
You're at the assembly of First Nations Annual Meeting, surrounded by cameras and microphones and bright lights.
00:11:24
You're standing on a stage alongside several elders from your tribe, and seated before you as a large audience.
00:11:33
There's a ripple of applause as the Prime Minister walks onto the stage.
00:11:38
You know what you're supposed to do.
00:11:40
Shake hands with the Prime Minister, hand him the gift and pose for a picture, and that's it.
00:11:48
Don't say anything.
00:11:50
Cuped in your hands is the special gift for him.
00:11:54
It's a ceremonial copper water bowl, just like the ones used in water ceremonies.
00:12:01
The Prime Minister steps up to you and he smiles.
00:12:05
He reaches out to shake your hand.
00:12:08
I'm very unhappy with the choices you've made, and that you've broken promises to my people.
00:12:14
Whoops, so much for being silent.
00:12:18
But instead of rushing you off, the Prime Minister looks at you curiously and waits for you to continue.
00:12:26
Your heart is racing.
00:12:28
You can only manage to say one more thing to him.
00:12:31
The pipelines.
00:12:33
The Prime Minister nods as you hand him the copper pot.
00:12:37
I understand.
00:12:38
I will protect the water.
00:12:42
You feel tears spring up in your eyes.
00:12:45
You did it.
00:12:47
You tried to stay composed, but it's hard.
00:12:49
This moment feels incredibly important.
00:12:52
It's a huge accomplishment.
00:12:55
You wipe the tears away.
00:12:58
You feel very proud of yourself for speaking up for the water and for your people.
00:13:08
You continue to hold Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accountable for protecting the water in Canada.
00:13:15
And while there are areas where the water situation has improved, there's still a long way to go.
00:13:22
Right now, today, many indigenous communities still lack access to clean water.
00:13:28
As a short-term solution, you've helped distribute water filtration systems across First Nations communities.
00:13:35
You are named one of the world's 100 most inspiring and influential women by the BBC.
00:13:42
A documentary titled "The Waterwalker" highlights your work and advocacy for equal rights to clean water.
00:13:50
You speak at the United Nations Secretary General's Climate Action Summit in New York.
00:13:56
And you are nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize four times.
00:14:03
At just 15 years old, you are appointed as the new Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinaabe Nation in Canada.
00:14:11
And your jets getting started.
00:14:14
I believe no matter what a race or color is, how rich or poor we are, everybody deserves clean drinking water.
00:14:20
Water is the lifeblood of Mother Earth.
00:14:23
It's the lifeblood of everything.
00:14:23
You are Autumn Elton.
00:14:26
If you like who is amazing life, you can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now by joining One Dree Plus in the One Dree app.
00:14:38
Or on Apple Podcasts.
00:14:39
Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music.
00:14:44
Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at One Dree.com/Serve.
00:14:48
From One Dree, this is Who's Amazing Start.
00:14:56
I'm your host, Cree Summer.
00:14:58
This episode contains reenactments and dramatized details.
00:15:02
We use many sources in our research, a few that were particularly helpful for this episode were UNICEF, CNN, and APT and National News.
00:15:11
This episode was written by Mara Saldias, sound designed by Lucas Siegel, audio assistants by Sergio Enriquez.
00:15:18
Our producers are Jennifer Klein and Olivia Rashard.
00:15:21
Our coordinating producer is Desi Blaylock, and Matt Gantt is our managing producer.
00:15:26
Tonja Thigpin is our Senior Managing Producer.
00:15:33
Jenny Bloom and Megan Bugala are our senior producers.
00:15:34
Executive producers are Jenny Lauer Beckman, Stephanie Jens, and Marshall Lilly for One Dree.
00:15:40
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