Our Mission

Six Pillars of River Justice

Our comprehensive approach addresses the legal, ecological, educational, and community dimensions of water protection. Each pillar reinforces the others, creating a holistic framework for lasting change.

Defense of River Rights

Legal Recognition of Living Entities

We promote the legal recognition of rivers as living entities possessing intrinsic rights, notably the right to exist, to flow freely, to be free from pollution, and to maintain their essential ecosystem functions.

Key Initiatives

  • Drafting model legislation for river personhood in Quebec
  • Supporting legal cases that establish precedent for ecosystem rights
  • Building coalitions with Indigenous communities who have long recognized water as sacred
  • Documenting international examples of successful river rights frameworks

Protection of Human Interdependence

Connecting Water Health to Human Rights

We raise awareness and educate the public on the vital link between the health of hydrographic networks and fundamental human rights, such as access to clean drinking water, food security, and physical and mental well-being.

Key Initiatives

  • Community health assessments linking water quality to local wellness
  • Educational campaigns on the water-health connection
  • Advocacy for clean water access as a fundamental right
  • Research partnerships with public health institutions

Riverbank Management & Restoration

Natural Gardens for Biodiversity

We act for the preservation and restoration of riparian corridors, considered "natural gardens" essential to biodiversity, by promoting sustainable land management practices.

Key Initiatives

  • Hands-on restoration projects along the Lachine Canal
  • Native plant propagation and planting programs
  • Partnerships with landowners for buffer zone creation
  • Monitoring and documentation of biodiversity recovery

Citizen Watch Headquarters

Research, Monitoring & Legal Coordination

We establish a research, environmental monitoring, and legal coordination center to act as a spokesperson for aquatic ecosystems before decision-making bodies.

Key Initiatives

  • Water quality monitoring stations throughout the watershed
  • Citizen science training programs
  • Legal intervention in environmental impact assessments
  • Database of environmental violations and enforcement tracking

Advocacy & Education

Building Community Engagement

We develop environmental education programs and water-focused artistic initiatives to strengthen community engagement toward the protection of watersheds.

Key Initiatives

  • School programs reaching thousands of students annually
  • Artist residencies focused on water themes
  • Public lectures and film screenings
  • Interactive exhibits and community workshops

Sustainable Funding

Supporting Charitable Purposes

We receive donations, legacies, and other contributions of a similar nature in cash, securities, or real estate; administer such donations, legacies, and contributions; and organize fundraising campaigns for the purpose of collecting funds for charitable purposes.

Key Initiatives

  • Transparent financial reporting and governance
  • Legacy giving program for long-term sustainability
  • Corporate partnership opportunities
  • Grant-seeking for specific project funding
“When we defend the rights of rivers, we defend the rights of all living beings who depend on them — including ourselves.”

— RJHQ Founding Principle

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