"Water, Our Friend" - An Album

Mni Wiconi — ”Water is Life.”

Seven years ago, I was drowning. I was isolated, disconnected, carrying wounds I didn't know how to heal. Then I was brought to the plant medicine community, and things started to change. Through ceremony, community, and countless hours of inner work, I slowly learned to swim instead of sink. I began to live. That process is ongoing for me- and one of my greatest teachers is water.

Hearing friends and elders talk about water, I’ve started to learn about flow, about nourishment, about change. I want to offer this album as medicine —seven songs that carry what my friends have taught me about water and about healing. The songs range from a cry for the impossible healing of California (“The Owens Valley") to a prayer for the will to change and learn a new way of living (“The “Wheel Well”) to a sweet lovesong for water herself (“Water, Our Friend").

Why This Matters

My plant medicine community saved my life. This album is how I give back—not just to them, but to anyone who needs to remember that healing is possible, that we're all connected by the water that runs through everything. In times of climate grief and spiritual drought, we need reminders of what's sacred. We need songs that help us remember our place in the web of life. That’s what I hope to do with this album.

I’m asking for $14,000; that is, $2000 per song. This would be divided into supporting me, Jeffrey Wilson and his production studio, session musicians, artwork, and promotion- like organizing performances!

Once the music is released, half of all proceeds will go to the Standing Rock camp of water protectors .

The plant medicine path taught me that healing isn't something we do alone. It's something we do in community, for community. Music is how I hope to give back to my community, and keep giving back. I hope this album will be the first of many.

Love,

Helen