July 7, 2017 

Money Is Liquid !

Nébesna Fortin – Sustainable Development Coordinator at La Cité Écologique

We often speak of water as “blue gold.” We know its vital role in our bodies and in the life of our planet. But during a workshop in the EDE course, I learned something surprising: water is also a symbol of money! Yes—after all, as the saying goes, “Money is liquid.”

Riel, our instructor for this part of the course, is president of the organization Terre des Jeunes Transnational. He has dedicated his life to protecting Indigenous peoples and the environment. A Métis Micmac from Eastern Canada, he shared his passion for this fascinating culture, which lives in deep harmony with Nature—right here in our region.

Through workshops and discussions, he introduced us to the Micmac way of life: the thoughtful design of villages, the precision and importance of daily tasks, the decision-making system, and the roles of the three dimensions and the guardians of the four elements. Each guardian is responsible for a domain connected to Earth, Water, Air, or Fire, and they are supported in their roles by the Reflet.

The Guardians of the Earth care for the land and food cultivation. The Guardians of the Water, naturally, oversee water—but also the economy.

The Gift Economy

In this culture, the Guardian of the Water holds and manages money in collaboration with the other Guardians. Their role is to ensure that everyone’s needs are met equitably. There is no personal economy—everything is shared.

Traditionally, there was no money, only exchanges with other peoples. These exchanges were based on the principle of giving. The idea is simple: if everyone gives what they have in surplus, everyone’s basic needs will be met. People find themselves sometimes giving, sometimes receiving.

Today, we’re beginning to see similar models emerge—restaurants and service centers that ask only for what you’re able to give. This system encourages generosity. Some even report receiving more through this approach.

Other alternative systems are also gaining ground, aiming to reshape our relationship with money and rethink its value. Among the most widespread models are local currencies, time banks, and service exchange networks.

These discoveries lead me to reflect… I’m not talking about a utopia where everyone is equal and money is managed collectively. I’m talking about the relationship we have with those little pieces of paper—this liquid.

And I begin to imagine: what if we saw money as water—meant to flow, to nourish, to bring life wherever it goes?