INAC

Indigenous-driven water governance approaches crucial: experts

Indigenous-driven water governance approaches crucial: experts

As work continues on combating water issues facing First Nations in Canada, researchers and organizations are increasingly looking at the role of Indigenous self-determination in terms of policy, research and governance. In November, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) held its third annual water symposium, with the theme of First Nations Water Post-2021.

The trouble behind Canada's failed First Nations water plants

The trouble behind Canada's failed First Nations water plants

Behind every failed First Nations water plant is an unfortunate story. Assigning blame can be challenging: Although Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) pays for most on-reserve infrastructure and sets most of the rules governing design and construction, many other parties are involved, including project managers, engineering and construction firms and First Nations chiefs and councillors.

Unsafe to drink

Unsafe to drink

Serpent River’s woes resemble those of the 90 other Canadian reserves under drinking-water advisories. But there is a cruel twist: This water treatment plant is barely a year old. It is a small yet impressive modern facility, a bewildering but orderly arrangement of pumps, piping and gauges.