Elder Sheila De Corte has been named the recipient of the 2025 Canadian River Heritage Award, recognizing her remarkable work in protecting and celebrating Canada’s waterways. This award, presented once every three years, shines a spotlight on individuals whose efforts have made a lasting impact on the nation’s rivers and their communities.
Championing Water Stewardship Through Cultural Practice
Elder De Corte is the founder of For the Love of the Rivers, an initiative that blends environmental advocacy with Indigenous spiritual traditions. Through ceremonial water walks, she has drawn national attention to the ecological and cultural significance of rivers across Turtle Island—a term used by many Indigenous Peoples to refer to North America. Some walks are local, while others traverse multiple provinces and U.S. states, serving as acts of remembrance, healing, and care for the land and waters.
Teaching the Next Generation
Central to Elder De Corte’s work is education. Her programs engage schools and youth, highlighting the sacred duty to protect water. She emphasizes the pivotal role of women as guardians of these life-giving resources, inspiring young Canadians to understand their responsibility in safeguarding rivers for the future.
Honouring Rivers and Their Protectors
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System, along with the Canadian Canoe Museum, has placed the Heritage Rivers Award on display at the Museum’s new Exhibition Hall in Peterborough, Ontario. Visitors can now learn about the awardees’ dedication and gain insight into the ongoing efforts to preserve Canada’s waterways.
Impact and Consequences
Elder De Corte’s initiatives have brought national awareness to the cultural and ecological value of rivers. Her approach shows how traditional knowledge and contemporary activism can work hand-in-hand to influence environmental policies, inspire community action, and promote cultural education. By engaging young people, her work ensures the long-term stewardship of waterways in Canada.
What’s Next?
The spotlight on Elder De Corte opens opportunities for broader community involvement in river conservation. Her methods may inspire similar ceremonial and educational programs across the country, creating networks of water guardians dedicated to preserving ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Summary
Elder Sheila De Corte’s recognition with the 2025 Canadian River Heritage Award highlights her exceptional contributions to protecting rivers, educating communities, and celebrating Indigenous knowledge. Her ceremonial water walks and youth programs are leaving a lasting legacy on both people and the environment.
Bulleted Takeaways
- Elder Sheila De Corte receives the 2025 Canadian River Heritage Award for outstanding commitment to water stewardship.
- She founded For the Love of the Rivers and leads ceremonial water walks combining advocacy and spiritual practice.
- Her programs educate youth on environmental responsibility and emphasize the role of women as protectors of water.
- The award is displayed at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario, inspiring visitors.
- Elder De Corte’s work raises national awareness about the cultural and ecological importance of rivers in Canada.
