Frequently Asked Questions

The 300-mile, 11 day walk will happen in *relay form*, with small teams walking 1 mile at a time. We welcome volunteers to join us from 1 day to the full 11 days. If you are not already, please familiarize yourself with the Nibi Walks protocols. We will be following the traditional ceremony protocols. It's required that women walkers who would like to carry the water wear a long skirt. Those who do not wish to wear a skirt are invited to carry the Eagle Staff, the traditionally male role in the Nibi Ceremony. The water and staff are to be carried alongside one another throughout the entirety of the walk, which is done mindfully, in quiet prayer and song. We encourage you to learn these songs in preparation for the walk.

We request that all day volunteers (those not staying overnight) are present for that day's early morning opening ceremony as well as the closing ceremony in the early evening.

For those staying overnight, we will mainly be camping in state parks as well as some private farms along the route. We ask that volunteers are self-sufficient in handling their own accommodations - whether you decide to tent camp, car tent, RV, Airbnb or something else. We are happy to forward our reservations for you to refer to/plan to be close by if you wish. Those who commit to volunteering for the full 11 days will be considered a part of the “core team” and thus will be included in all of our reservations.

We are committed to covering the cost of accommodation for all POC volunteers. Please reach out to hawriverwaterwalk@gmail.com for more information.

We ask that day volunteers (those who are not staying overnight) are self-sufficient and come prepared with plenty of food and water. For those staying overnight, we will be joined by the extraordinary mobile kitchen crew Seeds of Peace who will be providing 3 meals per day. Bring your own plates/bowls so you do not need to rely heavily on disposables. Please bring your own reusable water bottle. We will have access to water refills throughout each day.

• High visibility/bright clothing (if you have it)
• Rain gear (we walk in all weather!)
• At least one good pair of broken-in walking shoes
• First aid; moleskin and blister bandages
• Respect for the territory you are traveling through

Please do what you can to show up grounded, in good mind, having released any negativity. If it applies to you, take time to understand the context and essence of the Nibi Walks.

Make sure you have what you need to meet your physical needs. Expect the unexpected, activate your inner resources and resilience, as you will inevitably face challenges in this experience - obstacles are a part of every ceremony.

We also invite you to learn these songs in preparation.

The Haw River Water Walk team is committed to the health of all those who choose to participate as well as the health of the communities we engage with along the route. We are in careful consideration of our COVID protocols in light of the Delta variant and the rapidly changing public health scenario. We will continue to adjust and update protocols as needed.

As of September 24, 2021, our guidelines are as follows:

• If you are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home
• We ask that all participants and volunteers
  • Be fully vaccinated (if for any reason you’re unable to be vaccinated, please email our team hawriverwaterwalk@gmail.com)
  • Maintain 6 ft. of physical distance from those not in your “pod” (meaning the core group you have determined you will be in close contact with without masks, such as housemates, family members, friends, etc.)
  • Wear a mask when indoors and increase air circulation by turning on fans and opening windows (such as when driving with non-pod members)
  • Wear a mask when outdoors and 6 ft. of physical distance is not possible
  • Hand wash or sanitize frequently

No, during the Nibi Ceremony (as with many indigenous ceremonies) dogs are not welcome in the space, as it's believed dogs ward off the good spirits that are being invoked.