Canada's Water Crisis in Indigenous Communities
In the land of abundant water resources, a striking paradox unfolds of profound disparity in access to safe drinking water for Canada's Indigenous communities. Particularly poignant are the challenges faced by those residing on First Nations reserves, where the fundamental right to clean and safe water remains a challenge.
Canada, celebrated as one of the wealthiest nations globally, boasts access to 18% of the world's fresh surface water in the Great Lakes[1]. Yet, a stark divide persists, as many First Nations individuals grapple with the harsh reality of contaminated, hard-to-access, or at-risk water on their lands. Many criticize the government's regulations on water quality for reserve communities and the lack of action taken by public bodies.
As of January 19, 2024, 28 water systems across 26 First Nations reserves in Canada were under drinking water advisories, including some that have been in place for almost 30 years. The Neskantaga Public Water System in Ontario has been under advisory since 1995, painting a grim picture of a systemic crisis that denies Indigenous communities the basic human right to easily accessible safe water for drinking and hygiene—a right readily enjoyed by most Canadians[2]. This disparity culminates in health inequities among Indigenous populations, with First Nations communities facing waterborne infections at a rate 26 times higher than the Canadian national average[3].
The Assembly of First Nations’ recent Virtual Water Summit brought forth critical insights from Indigenous leaders, activists, and communities advocating for change. Their words echo the urgency of addressing wastewater treatment and drinking water operations, emphasizing the need to streamline processes, minimize treatments, and enhance testing protocols.
Rebecca Zagozweski from the Saskatchewan First Nations Water & Wastewater Association brought forth a compelling perspective on the critical aspects of water quality. Rejecting the overuse of chlorine as a “fast-fix”, she stressed the need to maintain taste while ensuring high-quality, safe water for all communities. Although chlorination can be an effective method of disinfection, the smell and taste of chlorine is often cited as a major limiting factor in the consumption of tap water[4]. Rebecca and her team are focused on reviewing wastewater quality standards with the primary goal of achieving the “least amount of treatment processes possible.” Rebecca's insights shed light on the tangible need for immediate action to address the existing disparities in water quality, advocating for practical solutions that can uplift communities facing water-related challenges.
Daryl Kootenay, representing the Stoney Nakoda Nation, conveyed the profound Indigenous connection with water during the summit. His words echoed not only the cultural significance of water but also the far-reaching consequences of claimed ownership and environmental destruction. Colonial histories have profoundly shaped the distribution, use, and governance of water, leading to systemic inequalities, environmental degradation, and the disruption of traditional water management practices that had been sustainable for generations. Decolonizing water involves centering Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and governance systems in water management, recognizing the deep understanding that Indigenous communities have developed over centuries regarding sustainable water use, conservation, and ecological balance[5]. Daryl's speech underscored the interconnectedness of Indigenous communities with their natural surroundings and the pressing need to protect and preserve these invaluable resources.
In alignment with the urgent call for environmental stewardship, Makaśa Looking Horse, host of Ohneganos: Let’s Talk Water, shared powerful insights into the dire consequences of wastewater sludge dumping, revealing the alarming water crisis her community faces. Sewage sludge may contain harmful components such as infectious pathogens, organic compounds, heavy metals, and excess phosphorus and nitrogen. Thus, improper disposal can harm aquatic ecosystems and impact drinking water sources[6]. Makaśa's words were not just a call to action but also a testament to the resilience of Indigenous communities facing environmental challenges.
In light of these injustices, the Government of Canada committed to ending all long-term drinking water advisories on public water systems on reserve by the end of March 2021. Although this goal has yet to be achieved, 144 advisories have been lifted since November 2015[2]. Furthermore, Bill C-61, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act, was introduced in Parliament in December 2023. This Bill would recognize the right of First Nations to self-governance in water management and infrastructure and would establish regulatory pathways to protect water adjacent to First Nation lands, aiming to close the drinking water and wastewater service gaps between First Nations and non-First Nations communities[7].
However, despite the government’s recent advances, persistent disparities in water quality remain. The current state of affairs, marked by enduring drinking water advisories and a failure to deliver prior promises, serves as a relentless reminder of the historical wrongs that continue to impact Indigenous communities. This persistent thorn in the nation's conscience calls for more than just temporary fixes; it demands sustained efforts, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to rectifying systemic injustices.
As we navigate the path forward, there is a collective responsibility to heed the call for innovation in wastewater treatment and drinking water operations. This journey requires a challenge to envision a future where disparities in water quality are eradicated, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their heritage, can partake in the same stream of opportunity. It is a moment to bridge not only the infrastructural gaps but also to foster a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and profound respect for the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples.
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