Autumn Peltier: Canada’s Fearless Water Warrior
How a young Anishinaabe activist became the voice for clean water and Indigenous justice
The copper water bowl felt cool and reassuring in Autumn Peltier’s hands as she stepped forward, heart hammering beneath her traditional ribbon dress, eyes fixed firmly ahead.
She was only twelve years old, standing among chiefs and elders in a crowded hall in Gatineau, Quebec. A hush rippled through the audience as she approached the tall figure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Canadian leader whose environmental decisions had deeply disappointed her community.
It was December 2016, but Autumn felt as though she’d been preparing for this moment her whole life. Memories rushed through her mind: her first shocking encounter with contaminated water, the gentle teachings of her beloved great-aunt Josephine about water’s sacred spirit, and the children she’d met who had never tasted clean water from a tap.
All those experiences, those whispers of injustice, fuelled her courage.
She handed Trudeau the ceremonial bowl, a symbol of his responsibility to protect the water, and despite instructions to remain silent, Autumn couldn’t hold back. Her voice trembled but was firm enough to echo clearly across the hall:
"I am very unhappy with the choices you've made."
The room stilled, and for a second, all eyes turned toward the young Anishinaabe girl from Wiikwemkoong First Nation. In that single, unplanned sentence, Autumn Peltier had found her voice. She had given water its voice. Overcome with emotion at the importance of what she had to say, tears started to fall.
In that moment, the Prime Minister was deeply moved and told Autumn that he would protect the water. Peltier had gone off script and in doing so had taken a big, bold step forward in a journey that would soon take her far beyond this room, onto the world stage as Canada’s powerful advocate for clean water and Indigenous rights.
But this moment wasn’t about her—it was about children everywhere that deserve the right to access safe water.
Autumn Peltier was born on September 27, 2004, in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island—the largest freshwater island in the world. Manitoulin Island sits in Lake Huron, part of the Great Lakes system, which holds the planet’s largest supply of fresh water.
Her mother, Stephanie, raised Autumn and her two sisters Naomi and Ciara. From the time Autumn could walk, she was taught that water holds deep cultural significance.
She is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), and like many Indigenous peoples in Canada, her community believes that water is a living entity that must be cared for and protected.
One of the biggest figures in Autumn’s early life was her great-aunt, Josephine Mandamin, often called “Grandmother Water Walker.” Starting in 2003, Josephine walked around the Great Lakes to draw attention to the condition of the waters and the need to protect them.
People called these events “Water Walks.” She did these treks for years, up until 2017, carrying water in a copper pail and praying for the lakes’ healing. Witnessing her great-aunt’s dedication to water advocacy made a lasting impression on Autumn. It showed her how to use her voice and her feet to fight for clean water, something that most Canadians take for granted.
However, Autumn’s real moment of awakening came when she was 8 years old. That year she visited a neighbouring First Nation community called Serpent River for a water ceremony. At the time of her visit, Serpent River was one of several communities dealing with contaminated water, primarily due to industrial pollution and inadequate infrastructure.
While there, she saw a boiled water advisory sign in the washroom warning residents not to drink the water. She was shocked to think that people who lived so close to her didn’t have access to safe drinking water.
This upset her and made her start asking questions about how this could be. Imagine her astonishment when she soon came to find out that the boiled water advisory had been in place for 10 years.
Her curiosity and concern led her to learn more about the broader context of water issues in Indigenous communities across Canada. This situation is rooted in historical neglect and systemic racism, which have left many Indigenous communities with outdated or non-functioning water treatment systems.
The lack of clean drinking water is not only a health issue but also a violation of the UN-recognized human right to water and sanitation.
In 2012, when Peltier visited Serpent River, 116 First Nations communities across Canada were under a drinking water advisory, according to Health Canada. This represented nearly 20% of all First Nations communities at the time.
The severity and duration of these advisories varied significantly, with many lasting for years. For instance, between 1995 and 2007, one quarter of all water advisories in First Nations lasted longer than a year, and 65% of these long-duration advisories lasted more than two years.
For Autumn, it was a wake-up call: she couldn’t accept that children like her were growing up without a basic right that others took for granted. That realization would guide her journey for years to come.
After that experience, Autumn began attending more water ceremonies and listening even more closely to her great-aunt’s teachings. She learned about the concept of “nibi giikendaaswin” or “water knowledge,” which includes seeing water as alive, understanding it spiritually, and viewing it as part of our collective responsibility.

The Great Lakes were her backyard, and she wanted to help protect them. Not just for her community, but for all people who rely on them. She also became aware of the pipelines and pollutants that threatened these waters, particularly on or near Indigenous reserves. It quickly became clear, even to an 8-year-old, that this was unacceptable.
During the next few years, Autumn began making small but meaningful gestures that indicated her willingness to take a stand alongside her great-aunt. As well as accompanying Josephine to local events, Autumn also spoke at smaller gatherings and started to assume the role as a young activist.
She read about how pipeline leaks could contaminate entire water supplies. Even though she was just a pre-teen, she believed her generation needed to speak up. She realized that waiting until adulthood might be too late. The more she spoke, the more people listened, and the more confident she became.
Autumn’s mother, Stephanie, managed her schedule to make sure that Autumn could focus on both school and activism. Together, they navigated the logistics of attending water ceremonies, travelling to different First Nations communities, and learning from other Elders about water’s cultural significance.
In 2016, when Autumn was 12, the Assembly of First Nations chose her to present a ceremonial copper water bowl to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a gathering in Gatineau, Quebec. The bowl was meant to symbolize Trudeau’s duty to protect water.
At the time, many Indigenous leaders had expressed disappointment in how slowly the federal government was moving to fix water problems in First Nations communities. Trudeau had also recently approved two pipelines, worrying many who felt that each pipeline posed serious risks to water sources.
When the moment arrived for Autumn to perform her role, she handed the water bowl to the Prime Minister. But then did something that wasn’t part of the plan. She seized the moment and spoke to him directly. She told him she was “very unhappy” with his choices.
She also started to explain how she felt about his support for pipeline projects but was overcome with the gravity of the situation and started to cry. The Prime Minister was struck by the poise and conviction of the 12-year-old girl who called upon him to do better.
Newspapers and TV stations around the world reported on this impromptu confrontation between Peltier and Canada’s leader. Her courage made people sit up and listen. Some cheered her on, while others criticized her boldness for speaking out of turn.
But one thing was certain: Autumn Peltier’s voice could not be ignored.
Prime Minister Trudeau responded politely, saying he understood her concerns. Yet Autumn later said she intended to hold him accountable for fixing water crises in Indigenous communities. His words after all, were just words. It was time for him to walk the walk too. Just as Josephin had walked for over a decade to bring attention to the issue.
The Canadian media started calling her a new voice in environmental activism. Internationally, reporters began comparing her to other young activists who challenge world leaders about climate change and pollution.
Shortly afterward, she was invited to talk about water protection in other venues. Spurred on by the brave young water warrior, the Assembly of First Nations created a fund called “Niabi Odacidae” to help further water advocacy.
It was a turning point, showing how one short exchange, captured on camera, can amplify someone’s message and spark attention to a neglected issue.
Not long after her unforgettable meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau, Autumn Peltier’s journey took a turn onto the global stage. In 2017, she was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize for the first time, thanks to her growing work on water rights.
This nomination was a big deal, as it put her in the company of young activists from around the world who tackle problems such as poverty, violence, and climate change. Although she didn’t win that year, the recognition brought her new invitations to speak at public events about the importance of clean water, and kept the topic in public discourse.
In March 2018, Peltier addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The event she spoke at marked the launch of the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development.

Imagine being 13 years old, standing before world leaders, and boldly reminding them that millions of people lack safe drinking water. With a clear voice, Autumn declared:
“No one should have to worry if the water is clean or if they will run out of water. No child should grow up not knowing what clean water is.”
Those words echoed around the world. Articles popped up with headlines such as “Teen Tells UN: Warrior Up” and “Young Canadian Confronts Global Leaders on Water.”
News reports highlighted that she was from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, and that First Nations communities across Canada still struggled with decades-long boil-water advisories. Hearing that fact in an international forum forced many Canadians to confront how little progress had been made in one of the world’s developed nations.
The following year, in April 2019, shortly after the passing of her great-aunt, Josephine Mandamin, the Anishinabek Nation formally named Autumn as their new Chief Water Commissioner, a role her aunt had held for years.
Autumn found herself now representing 40 First Nations across Ontario and advising on all water-related discussions within the Anishinabek Council’s leadership.
Being the Chief Water Commissioner is more than a title. Autumn helps shape policy on protecting waters that flow in and out of the Great Lakes, addresses the risks from invasive species, and shares community concerns about pipeline leaks.
She also pushes to fix boil-water advisories that remain in effect on Indigenous reserves. When the federal government misses deadlines or fails to meet its promises, Autumn uses her platform to speak up.
In September of 2019, Autumn returned to New York, this time speaking at the Global Landscapes Forum and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit.
While Greta Thunberg captured headlines on climate action, Autumn Peltier shared her own powerful and urgent message:
“We can’t eat money or drink oil.”
Her straightforward way of speaking resonated with people who felt frustrated by political delays and broken promises. Youth groups in other countries began inviting her to speak about water rights, and social media accounts dedicated to environmental activism started circulating her quotes.
She was also once again nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2019. By this point, the public viewed her as a knowledgeable advocate rather than just a bold child with a compelling story.
Autumn now works with groups like the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation to deliver short-term solutions to safe water access issues. Together, they’ve helped supply clean water to more than 500 homes on First Nations reserves. And they’ve done so without government funding.
Peltier has continued to attend ceremonies across the province, reinforcing her belief that water has a spirit and that we have a responsibility to protect it.
Autumn’s actions have forced a shift in how Canadian leaders talk about water issues. Although she isn’t solely responsible for government policies, her voice has certainly raised the political cost of ignoring boil-water advisories.
Federal officials now face greater pressure to act quickly, rather than postponing solutions for years.
In 2022, Autumn circulated a petition for clean water solutions that gathered over 112,000 signatures. It even made its way into a House of Commons address on the eve of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation that year.
That moment symbolized a broader global movement that sees access to clean water as a right, not a privilege. Autumn frequently says that if a water crisis affected a major urban center like Toronto, officials would fix it immediately. So, why not on remote First Nations reserves?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Autumn pointed out how swiftly governments could react to a global threat. She argued that if that same level of urgency were applied to the water crisis, no community in Canada would still be on a boil-water advisory.
Her consistent message has been: “We need more political will—because the money exists, the expertise exists, and the only thing that’s missing is a real commitment.”
As of the time of writing this, dozens of First Nations communities continue to face challenges with access to clean drinking water, with some advisories dating back decades.
You’ve probably guessed by now that Autumn’s work has led to a host of accolades. She’s been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize multiple times (2017, 2018, 2019, and again in 2022).
She received the Sovereign Medal of Exceptional Volunteerism from the Governor General of Canada and was named a “Science Defender” by the Union of Concerned Scientists in 2019. She’s featured in documentaries, including The Water Walker, which has been shared in schools across Canada.
In 2023, she received the Community Hero Award at the Canada Walk of Fame Gala—another signal that Canadians recognize her efforts.
Autumn is now 20 years old and has also built a strong social media following of over 200,000 supporters. She uses these platforms to explain issues like environmental racism, where pipelines or waste sites often end up near Indigenous communities.
Beyond social media, she’s spoken at universities and partnered with youth leaders in other countries to demand concrete action on water protection.
She also remains anchored to her home community, returning to Wiikwemkoong when she can. Balancing her role as an international spokesperson with everyday life hasn’t been simple. She’s faced bullying and burnout, especially on social media. But as Autumn says, “That just makes me want to try harder.”
Autumn frequently reminds people that youth have a special way of sparking change. Adults may dismiss problems as too complicated or too expensive, while young voices often cut through excuses.
She expresses frustration that her generation has to bear the brunt of bad decisions made decades ago. Yet she’s hopeful. She encourages other young people to speak up, join campaigns, sign petitions, and demand accountability from leaders.
She points out that our next doctors, lawyers, and politicians are in school right now, and they can’t wait until graduation to start making noise.
In recent years, significant progress has been made in lifting long-term drinking water advisories. This progress is a result of collaboration between government, First Nations communities, commercial, and private sector, and the fierce determination of activists like Autumn Peltier who demand solutions now.
As of March 22, 2024, First Nations had successfully lifted 144 long-term advisories with support from Indigenous Services Canada since November 2015. This represents a reduction of about 73% in the number of active long-term advisories since 2015.
Despite this progress, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu has expressed hope that all remaining long-term advisories could be lifted by the end of 2025. However, as of early 2025, there are still communities without access to clean drinking water, with Neskantaga First Nation being a notable unacceptable example, having endured a boil water advisory for nearly 30 years.
The lack of access to clean drinking water affects not only the physical health but also the mental well-being of community members, as highlighted by the ongoing trauma experienced in communities like Neskantaga.
The federal government has committed significant funding to address these issues, including an $8-billion settlement for communities affected by prolonged drinking water advisories. However, challenges persist due to infrastructure issues, regulatory gaps, and systemic barriers.
While there’s still work to be done, Autumn Peltier’s story shows how one person—no matter how young—can help shift the national and international conversation.
From first learning about a boil-water advisory at 8 years old to confronting Prime Minister Trudeau at 12, speaking at the United Nations at 13, and being named Chief Water Commissioner at 14, Autumn has spent over half her life pushing Canada toward meaningful change.
If you’re wondering what you can do, Autumn’s message is clear: listen to Indigenous voices, support policies that ensure safe water for every community, and stay informed.
She asks people to remember that “water is alive” and that caring for it now will shape the future for generations to come. Her story encourages all of us to ask how we’re treating the water in our own towns, from the Great Lakes to tiny streams up north.
Will you stand up for clean water the way this inspiring young leader does?
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Sources used to research this story:
https://politecanada.ca/canadian-greatness/2024/autumn-peltier-a-national-hero-with-a-cause/
https://rematriation.com/my-water-message-for-the-world/
https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/water-protection-and-youth-activism-with-autumn-peltier/
https://www.royalroads.ca/news/indigenous-water-activist-autumn-peltier-honoured-her-activism
https://www.myespanolanow.com/56167/featured/autumn-peltier-receives-national-recognition-award/
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/autumn-peltier
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn_Peltier
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https://nwac.ca/policy/water-is-a-source-of-life
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Thank you, Craig for this inspiring essay on Autumn. She is a great Canadian. I hope every Canadian on Substack reads this essay, and I hope our new PM is strong enough to learn from Indigenous people and to treat all Canadians and the land and water with respect