What are drinking water advisories?
Before we begin to talk about the water crisis, we need to understand what are drinking water advisories.
Authorities notify the public when its drinking water supply has potential or real health risks. They caution people to boil the water, not to consume it, or not to use it. As of Feb. 3, 2023, there were 32 long-term drinking water advisories in place 28 First Nation communities across Canada (Blunt, 2023). 24 of these advisories are in Ontario, across 21 communities (Blunt, 2023).
Although the terms drinking water advisory and boil-water advisory are sometimes used interchangeably, they point to different types of contaminants. Boiling is effective for removing bacteria, viruses, and parasites but not for removing toxic metals, for example.
Emergency advisories are issued when there is a confirmed water quality risk, and precautionary advisories signal a technical problem that could make the water unsafe. Both cause socio-economic disruptions.
Stop and Reflect
For many people in Canada, access to clean, safe, and reliable water is so normalized that it has almost no value in our lives. We take it for granted in the same way we take the air we breathe for granted.
Can you imagine what your life would be like if you didnt have easy access to safe drinking water?
Some thoughts
To help you understand what life can be like for those in this country who do not have readily available water at the turn of a tap, watch Autumn Peltiers short video on the fight for clean drinking water in Canada's Indigenous communities. Next, watch Life on Reserve for a more in-depth exploration of this reality.
What is clean water?
Different jurisdictions have different standards. Health Canada issues Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, yet provinces and territories can set their own. This means that water considered acceptable on reserve may not be acceptable off reserve.
Looking Closer
Keep thinking about what your life would be like without access to secure, safe drinking water, knowing that even if where you live the water is declared to be safe, it in fact may not be safe. Watch the Aboriginal People's Television Networks Clean Water, Broken Promises - InFocus to further your understanding of the situation confronted by many First Nations across this country.
In examining the water crisis faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, it is evident that this ongoing issue has significant implications for our collective journey towards truth and [re]conciliation. Access to clean and safe water is a crucial aspect of preserving Indigenous cultures, health, and well-being. Settler rights to water were never granted through the Treaty negotiation process. Indigenous peoples Rights to water are maintained and upheld through section 35 of the constitution act. Both the (2008) Water Declaration of the First Nation in Ontario (Resolution 08/87 Water Declaration) and Assembly of First Nations (2019) Resolution (no. 01/2019) on First Nations Treaty and Inherent Rights to Water outline First Nations distinct Rights and sovereignty over all waters,
[…] which include the rain waters, waterfalls, rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, mountain springs, bedrock water veins, snow, oceans, icebergs and the seas […]. (COO, 2008, p. 1).
These resolutions make clear that,
First Nations in Ontarios treaty relationships make certain that decision-making processes related to use and care of the waters is a right maintained by the First Nations and not handed over with the making of Treaties […]. (COO, 2008, p. 2).
Stop and Reflect
It is often stated that access to safe, clean and reliable water is a basic human right.
Take a closer look at:
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Resolution 08/87 Water Declaration (COO, 2008)
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Resolution 01/2019 First Nations Treaty and Inherent Rights to Water (AFN, 2019)
And ask yourself: is access to water a basic human right?
Decision-making regarding water-related matters in Ontario is a right maintained by Indigenous communities. In this sense, access to and use of water is an Indigenous Right.
Ask yourself: Do you think these Rights are being fulfilled?
Remember your thoughts and reflections from some of the prompts above to help you understand how the water crisis has shaped the impressions of truth and [re]conciliation and how we can take meaningful steps towards addressing this complex issue.
The lack of access to safe drinking water in many Indigenous communities is a stark reminder of the injustices towards and ongoing marginalization of Indigenous peoples in ‘Canada. The water crisis reflects deep-rooted systemic issues, including colonial policies, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. As we strive for truth and reconciliation, it is essential to confront these underlying causes and work towards systemic change.
Moreover, the water crisis perpetuates a sense of mistrust between Indigenous communities and the government. Broken promises and inadequate responses to water-related issues have and continue to erode trust in reconciliation efforts. Therefore, acknowledging the water crisis and actively working to rectify it becomes a critical step in rebuilding trust and fostering positive relationships.
Furthermore, addressing the water crisis demonstrates a commitment to genuine reconciliation and partnership. It involves recognizing the right of Indigenous communities to self-determination and Rightful leaders in decision-making processes related to water management and infrastructure development. Meaningful and appropriate consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities are crucial to ensuring that their Rights are respected and integrated into water management strategies.
The water crisis also highlights the interconnectedness of environmental justice and social justice. As we move forward on a path of truth and reconciliation, we must acknowledge that environmental issues disproportionately affect Indigenous communities, exacerbating existing disparities. By addressing the water crisis, we acknowledge the importance of environmental stewardship, respecting Indigenous knowledge of and sovereignty over water, and protecting water resources for future generations.