'Water is sacred': Saskatoon river gatherings prompted by oil spill concerns

People gathered in Saskatoon along the South Saskatchewan Riverto express concern about the waters of the North Saskatchewan River.

Husky Energy reported a pipeline leak near the North Saskatchewan last week which led to some 200,000 to 250,000 litres of oil entering the water.

"We're just people who care,"Jackie Crowe, one of the people at the gathering, said.

• Muskoday First Nation declares emergency over water supply

It was the second evening in a row where a water ceremony, organized by some Indigenous people, was held. The event was open to everyone and organizers promise to return to the river nightly, around 7 p.m.CST, to raise awareness about the importance of water.

"The water is sacred," Crowe said. "That is really missing from everything that is being talked about."

Crowe said she understands that oil is important and plays a role in people's everyday lives, but suggested looking at alternatives such as renewable energy.

"But the one resource we cannot do without, as human beings, is water," she said. "All life is dependant on water. That is the one resource we need to protect the most."