The Misi Ziibi (Mississippi River) introduced us and encouraged our relationship to be immersed in the sacred systems of the watershed and the magic of the riparian zones, found up and downstream. Aabijijiwan (It Flows Continuously) is a reflection of our journey together over the past two and a half years; illuminating diversities, connecting personal memories and curiosities and witnessing how the layers of indigenous and colonial histories are the foundations anchoring the consequences of our current conditions.

Thanks to the Big River Continuum, an exchange between the headwaters and the delta supported by the University of Minnesota Itasca Biological Field Station, the Watermark Art Center, the Wiesman Art Museum and Tulane University’s A Studio in the Woods, our spirits had the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the Mississippi’s tributaries and distributaries, to learn from each other, to weave together stories of the water, to experience the seasons, to be in ceremony and to recognize the skies that support and inspire our interdependent networks.

We have grown as individuals and our personal circles have expanded through creative processes, cultural connections and the generosity of individuals who opened their doors to share laughter, insights, knowledge and ways of knowing. Aabijijiwan is a mirror reflecting realizations, conversations and contemplations found during our time together, sharing stories of women and other individuals from our lives and from our territories, and an offering of love for our Misi Ziibi and the land and waters we call home.