Weaving knowledge systems to eradicate drinking water crises in First Nations across Canada

Area of Science:

• Environmental Policy
• Indigenous Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• First Nations (FN) in Canada experience widespread long-term drinking water advisories (LTDWAs).
• Universal access to safe drinking water is a persistent issue in many FN communities.
• Indigenous groups have occupied Canadian lands for millennia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the Federal Government's strategy for resolving LTDWAs on FN Reserves.
• To assess the integration of FN water principles and values into federal intervention frameworks.
• To explore financial and technical capacity within the federal approach.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the Federal Government's LTDWA intervention framework.
• Examination of the acknowledgment and application of First Nations water principles and values.
• Exploration of financial and technical capacity considerations.

Main Results:

• The federal approach to LTDWAs in FN communities primarily focuses on infrastructure technologies.
• Sustainable water supply aspects, like source water protection, are overlooked.
• FN water management principles, values, capacity, and the right to self-determination were inadequately addressed.

Conclusions:

• The federal strategy's limited attention to FN water principles and values, alongside capacity issues, undermines First Nations' self-determination.
• Failure to incorporate FN perspectives contributes to the ongoing problem of LTDWAs.
• A more holistic approach is needed to ensure sustainable water solutions for First Nations.