Water advocate recognized for making the world a better place

Autumn Peltier, 13, of the Wikwemikong First Nation, has been selected a 2017 Ontario Junior Citizen Finalist by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA).

The water advocate came into the national spotlight with her emotional address about the importance of clean drinking water in First Nations communities to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a meeting of the Assembly of First Nations.

Peltier was one of two youth advocates chosen to represent Canada during the 2015 Children’s Climate Conference in Sweden. She was also a nominee for the international Nobel Prize for Children in 2017.

She says water is the lifeblood of Mother Earth and it needs to be protected. Through traditional water ceremonies and speeches across the country, Peltier is helping to “make the world a better place for kids that come after her”, reads a press statement from the association.

The 2017 Ontario Junior Citizen Finalists—there are 12 in all from across the province—will be recognized in a special ceremony in Toronto by OCNA member newspapers for their outstanding achievements.

The individuals are future leaders making conscious efforts to see change in society and are working hard to make a difference both locally and globally, reads the OCNA statement.

Although very different and unique, they all share one aspect in common—they are all truly inspiring, and their stories illustrate creativity, determination and generosity.