Mother to Mother: A Love for the Land
I remember as a child, my aunt was always deeply committed to caring for the Earth.
She was mindful of everything — what she fed her family, how she did it, and where it came from. Everything about her was intentional, full of love, and respectful toward nature. When she did her part in taking care of the land and the waters, it meant she also took care of herself and her loved ones. She was just one small person nurturing her little corner of the Earth — but what she gave was powerful, and it rippled out in ways that will always matter.
She was beautiful inside and out — so creative and full of life. I remember her tending to her garden with such care. She was always willing to educate myself, my siblings, and my cousins about the world around us, whether it was a vegetable or a vibrant flower. She also guided us while we planted our first trees. When I see those trees, I still think of her in the present day. Her backyard was a little piece of paradise — a garden full of colour, buzzing life and a small stream we’d jump over again and again.
Thanks to her, a part of my heart has always belonged to Mother Earth. Growing up, I became more aware of my surroundings and what my responsibilities were to continue to respect and care for them. Even the smallest efforts such as picking up litter, recycling or even planting something — it felt important and they still do.
Credit: Nick Kootenhayoo, 2024
Mother Earth is celebrated in ways we don’t always notice — the first tree that blooms in spring, someone quietly picking up trash on the side of the road, a child planting their first seed or even providing a quick fact to someone that can change their entire perspective and feed into their knowledge. I consider these little acts to be a form of big love.
Yes, the sad reality that we face today is climate change, pollution, extraction, and destruction. Knowledge keepers, land caretakers, and water protectors continue to lead with light — a light that we must continue to follow. Respecting the land and protecting each other should be natural — it shouldn’t be a battle. This is wisdom we NEED to carry and pass down.
As a mother, a woman and a protector, there will always be this instinct — to protect, to nurture, and to fight for what is best. That’s how I connect with Mother Earth. She holds that same instinct: to heal, to grow, to give and to provide. But we can’t heal in environments that make us sick — whether it’s pollution, trauma or addiction.
Each of us carries a piece of Mother Earth within us. That connection is what gives us strength and reminds us to stand up, do better, love deeper and protect harder.
Credit: Nick Kootenhayoo, 2024
Join Us in Big Love for the Land This Earth Day
Today is your last chance to join our spring campaign and help us reach our goal of $10,000! From World Water Day to Earth Day, we are fundraising to defend our lands and waters—stand with us in solidarity to protect what is sacred.
Donate Today: Your contribution directly funds Indigenous-led climate justice initiatives. Every dollar is an act of solidarity – a commitment to protecting what is sacred.
Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your networks. Raise awareness about the urgent need to protect our waters.
Stay Engaged: Follow Indigenous-led organizations and activists. Support policies that protect water and Indigenous land rights.
From World Water Day to Earth Day, let’s do more than acknowledge the problem: let’s act. Together, we can ensure that resources flow where they are needed most, empowering Indigenous leadership and community-led solutions.
Shout out to all supporters! Every dollar you donate directly funds Indigenous-led initiatives, and Patagonia is matching donations for this campaign. The more we give, the closer we get to reaching our goal! Let’s do this!
Join us. Take a stand. Donate today. When we protect the waters, we protect our future.
About the Author
Jessica Christmas is a Mi’kmaq woman from Membertou First Nation, located in Unama’ki (Cape Breton, NS.) A graduate of St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (2017), Jessica has worked in communications since 2018 and recently stepped into the role of Communications Manager with ICA. She is passionate about storytelling, connection, and supporting the growth of the communities she serves.
In addition to her communications work, Jessica is a certified Wedding and Event Designer through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is a proud mother of two, and finds joy in balancing her career with family life. She enjoys going for walks, attending hockey games, travelling, writing, and interior decorating.
