By Liz Kirkwood, FLOW Executive Director
Last week, we suffered a great loss with the sudden passing of our dear friend—Indigenous attorney, activist, and Water Protector—Holly T. Bird. The outpouring of love and admiration from across the community and online speaks volumes about the kind of person Holly was and the profound impact she made.
Holly was a shining light wherever she went. Her energy and beautiful spirit were palpable in every encounter—and her smile sealed the deal. She had an extraordinary ability to transcend all spaces and places, building rich, meaningful relationships with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous friends alike.
Holly was truly remarkable. We worked together for many years to protect the waters of the Great Lakes. She brought passion, conviction, and brilliance to everything she did, and she shared them with unwavering generosity. She spoke clearly and powerfully about our sacred connection to water—Water is Life. As an Indigenous woman, Holly embraced her purpose as a Water Protector. She understood that real change happens through the combination of legal advocacy and people power. She held on to hope even when things were hard. And she made a lasting impact—through her work, her words, and her deep relationships.
Holly stood beside tribal members in nonviolent resistance during the DAPL and Line 5 pipeline fights. She brought vibrancy, urgency, and heart to our collective efforts to shut down Line 5 and defend Indigenous treaty rights.
As we grieve this tremendous loss, we also recommit ourselves to the work she so fiercely championed. We carry her legacy forward—with love, strength, and purpose. Her radiant spirit will endure in the many lives she touched.
We miss you, dear one. Our thoughts are with your family, your community, and all who are called to continue your life’s work—for water, for justice, for the Earth.
💧
###
A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, May 18th, at 1 pm in Milliken Auditorium on the campus of NMC in Traverse City, Michigan.
Last spring, FLOW collaborated with the Traversecityist podcast on a special episode, featuring Holly T. Bird. Listen now.
“I’ve been just grateful that now there’s a growing body of law that incorporates Anishinaabe values and culture, because the world needs it.”
Holly T. Bird
Episode 13: Nibi
In the Anishinaabe way of life, the women are called to work for the health of the water. Members of the Anishinaabe community spoke with the Traversecityist about their sacred relationship with water, and how there is a growing body of law that incorporates Anishinaabe values and culture.
Water Warriors now and forever.
We WILL shut down Line 5.
You will know!