Broken Promises

Examining the Impacts of Water Insecurity in Indigenous Communities Across Canada

Abstract

As the stewards of the traditional lands of Canada, Indigenous communities - including the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit - have been historically marginalized in society. To this day, many of these communities face drinking water advisories and lack adequate access to clean water sources. The five types of water advisories issued are water quality advisory (WQA), boil water advisory (BWA), do not consume (DNC), do not use (DNU), and conserve (CONSV). This paper will explore the detrimental impacts of this water scarcity, which affects the communities' physical and mental health. The lack of clean water threatens the practice of Indigenous traditions and customs: many cultures believe that humans hold a responsibility to protect water, as it is considered to be a living entity. To address this crisis, Indigenous voices must be empowered and amplified throughout policy-making processes. This is particularly important due to the mistrust and suspicion Indigenous communities harbor towards the government, largely resulting from Canada's colonial history.