“What is a River Citizen?” I hear this question on a daily basis, but how can I answer it fully? How can one explain a feeling that is so wholly infused with one’s spirit? For me, I guess the first step to understanding what it means to be a River Citizen is through an introduction to the River.
Many people have been raised to avoid the river, to fear it and therefore lack the awareness of its importance to our country. An introduction to the River led by a trusted guide (that’s me) offers visitors an opportunity to see the River in a new way, to touch it, to feel the waves bobble your boat.
On the River we have time to reflect on where our clean water comes from and how it’s affected by litter. I can put in plain words how the barge industry generates income for nearby towns and we get to see them diligently going about their business. Then we see firsthand the commercial fishermen with bounties of fish, displaying the resources the River provides. Together, we watch flocks of pelicans traveling from bend to bend gorging themselves on Asian carp. The vast space carves a new peacefulness inside oneself that can only be experienced.
As I stare at a map of the Mississippi River drainage area, I couldn’t help noticing the resemblance between it and the circulatory system of the human body. That’s it! The Mississippi River is the bloodline of our country and should be treated as such. It transports our grain south and commercial goods north.
Our main goal at Quapaw Canoe Company is to introduce all walks of life to the Mississippi River. On the weekdays, if not on an expedition, I have the marvelous responsibility of running an after school program called the Mighty Quapaws. Our goal is to curb the cycles of poverty many endure on a daily basis in the Delta. We use the Mississippi River as a stage to develop self esteem, discipline and leadership characteristics. The effects of the program spread through the community. It’s wonderful to also see parents slowly changing their own negative perceptions of the River embedded in their minds through an introduction from their offspring.
Establishing personal relationships with the River leads one to further affection, a deeper understanding of the diversity of this sacred River and, from there, the motivation to protect and preserve it for mankind and future generations.
I recognize explaining a feeling of connection, a spirit, a heart song, is somewhat confusing to the general public. We all find it in different ways. For me, I know that every paddle stroke brings me closer to the River. It allows me to feed my appetite for physical sport, at the same time providing a stage for me to live my values of environmental stewardship. My participation in paddling, environmental clean-ups, educational initiatives and general stewardship of this great River stems from knowing it is the right thing to do and a burning desire to share my experience with others.
I get an opportunity to share with fellow River Citizens the trials and tribulations of the River and what they can do to help. With the help of the River’s profound personal effect, River Citizens apply this same awareness to their local rivers, tributaries, and distributaries. Collective efforts by all River Citizens will contribute toward a healthier River and build a foundation for systemic success.
What I realize is… Everyone is a River Citizen in their own way.
Some might represent their dedication to the River like myself with physical actions like exploration or environmental cleanups. Some are inclined to comment on policy or advocacy efforts. Some pick up litter in their own neighborhood or ask a neighbor not to dump pollutants in the sewer. It doesn’t matter what action you choose. We are a team and every position is of equal importance. Just as we are equally connected to our River.