The Waterers

Dave Nelson reflects on how aunts and uncles form the backbone of the village that helps raise children across generations. Through personal stories, the speaker shares how guidance, accountability, and hard-earned life lessons are passed down, shaping younger family members in ways parents cannot always do alone. The story comes full circle to show how collective care, support, and love create resilient families and lasting bonds.

This episode follows Chris Espericueta's journey from becoming an uncle at age twelve to embracing the role as a lifelong commitment rooted in love, responsibility, and guidance. Through reflections from both the uncle and his niece, the story shows how uncles step in as steady, caring figures—offering support during hard moments and everyday kindness through simple routines. Together, their voices highlight how these bonds shape children’s sense of safety, trust, and belonging.

In this short reflection, Calixtra Bouchard shares what aunties mean to her through moments of joy, care, and celebration. She describes aunties as kind, respectful people who show up, make her laugh, and help her feel better when she is sad. Through simple memories like birthday traditions, the video highlights how aunties create happiness, safety, and love in a child’s life.

Bienvenida Matias reflects on being an auntie—or titi—as a role defined by care, honesty, and deep involvement across generations and distance. Through memories of migration, chosen family, and moments of stepping in during times of need, the speaker describes aunties as co-mothers and trusted confidants who offer guidance, boundaries, and safe haven. The story affirms that being an auntie is intuitive, enduring, and rooted in showing up when it matters most.

This episode explores what it means to be an auntie or uncle as a role rooted in love, responsibility, and presence across generations. Through personal reflections, family members describe aunties and uncles as second parents, protectors, mentors, and safe havens—people who step in, listen deeply, and help guide young people through both joyful and difficult stages of life. Together, their stories affirm that raising children truly takes a village, and aunties and uncles are essential to that collective care.

Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village shares a lighthearted story about a mischievous young bear that frequently visited her home, earning the nickname “mangy butt.” Through humor and observation, she reminds us that bears are curious yet gentle beings, often more afraid of humans than we are of them. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, shares her joy in watching bears with her great-grandmother Mavis and caring for them by leaving food along the road. Her story reflects the love, respect, and connection between generations and the bears that live nearby. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Margaret Benner from Nett Lake Village emphasizes the need to educate others about the cultural and spiritual importance of bears to Native people. She shares how she greets bears in Ojibwe, honoring them as relatives who understand and deserve respect and protection. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares teachings learned from her elders about the Bear Clan and the sacred role of bears as protectors, healers, and symbols of bravery. She reflects on their wisdom and self-healing nature, drawing connections between the bears’ behavior and the teachings that guide her community. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.

Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village recounts how she sought guidance from spiritual advisor Vern Adams to speak to tribal leaders about the sacredness of bears and the harm caused by their killing. She reflects on the spiritual and communal consequences that followed, the ceremonies of forgiveness, and the courage it takes to speak for those who cannot. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.