In our second episode on Deshkan Ziibi, or the Thames River, we look at the river's health from a personal perspective.
What effect can individuals have on water health?
First we hear from Barry Orr, sewer outreach and control inspector for
the City of London. Barry explains how London's sewer and water treatment systems work, and dishes the dirt on Londoners'
good and bad flushing habits.
Then we have a conversation with Indigenous educator Wahsayzee Deleary, in which Wahsayzee
and Molly discuss the importance of building personal relationships with water and the river, through education,
connection and prayer.
After listening to this episode, take the following actions:
- Pick up a Fats Oils Grease (FOG) cup from the London Public Library or EnviroDepot facility!
- Only flush the three P’s: Pee, Paper (toilet paper) and Poo.
- Reflect on the needs of future generations.
Click here for this episode's transcript
Barry Orr, Sewer Outreach and Control Inspector for the City of London
Wahsayzee Deleary (Anishinaabe), Oneida Nation, Indigenous Water Educator
Water Treatment Plant
Water Treatment Holding Tank
Water Sewer Grate
Fishing in the Antler/Thames River
Links Mentioned in the Episode
- City of London - Waste Discharge By-Law WM-16.
- Nathan T. Wright - The Adventures of Fatberg by Nathan T. Wright, featuring Barry Orr as "Captain FOG".
- Water Environment Association of Ontario - Golden Manhole Award.
- CTV News - "Wastewater treatment upgrades promise more drinking water protection." An article highlighting improvements at London’s Greenway and Adelaide wastewater treatment plants.
- Middlesex Centre - Fat Oil and Grease (FOG) cup information.
- Edward Benton-Banai - The Mishomis Book, the history, philosophy and teachings of the Ojibway people, as passed down through generations.
- Conservation Halton - Streams of dreams eco-educational school program.
- Canadian Encyclopedia - Autumn Peltier, Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation.
- Canadian Encyclopedia - Josephine Mandamin was an Anishinaabe elder and water-rights advocate.
Additional Resources
- Upper Thames River Conservation Authority - Tour of the Greenway Wastewater Treatment Centre.
- City of London - Informational video about what should and should not go into the toilet.
- Oneida Nation of the Thames - Website
- Chippewa of the Thames First Nation - Source Water Project that works to protect the source water of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewa of the Thames First Nation and Munsee-Delaware Nation.
- Urban Rez Productions - Trailer for the film Water Journey, "A 94 minute documentary about Grandmother Josephine Mandamin, water warrior".
The theme music is courtesy of ArchesAudio.com
Social Media
- @LondonCanada - City of London
- @yourturnorr - Barry Orr Twitter
