Water Walk by Michael Saj

Project Summary

This project uses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a starting point. Looking at

updating the UDHR for the 21 Century in this process, the concept of clean, drinkable water as a human right will be introduced. Embracing the idea of “Think Globally and Act Locally” the class will go on a water walk downtown to see what sources of water are available to the citizens of Winnipeg.

Students will be encouraged to take photos of what they see as it relates to water.

Focusing and taking pictures of what water is available in the downtown area including the

Assiniboine River and the combined sewer overflows which during heavy rains allows raw sewage into Winnipeg’s rivers.

The walk will lead to an advocacy portion of the project where students will attempt to

lobby the municipal government of Winnipeg to seek change in how water is treated in our city.

Possible acts of civil action include but are not limited to: Letter writing campaigns, petitions,

protest, contacting city councillors directly. Ideally the project will bring about real change, but it is truly the experience of being an active citizen in a democracy where the knowledge lies.