Indigenous Knowledge
Chi – miigwech for the legacy you continue for the Anishinabek Nation, your , the Great Lakes and for all of us, in protecting freshwater on this one planet, that we all get to share.
When we listen with open hearts and open minds, there is much to be learned.
Indigenous Creation stories emphasize the importance of sustainable environmental governance of land and water in order for people to survive and prosper. First Nations people believe human beings and the earth are interconnected and their relationships should be one of reciprocity and respect.
Access to clean drinking water is something that most Canadians take for granted through the simple action of turning on a tap. However, this is not the reality for many who live in First Nation communities, especially those in Ontario, who have endured decades of Drinking Water Advisories.
Boil water advisories are the most common type of Drinking Water Advisories and are issued when the quality of water is suspected or confirmed to be contaminated with bacteria or parasites (Galway, 2016). First Nations under a Boil Water Advisory are instructed to boil water for one minute before using any water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene (Galway, 2016).
How can this be, in an area and continent, so rich in water? And yet it is.
It doesn’t have to be.
Article Feature |
Indigenous Youth
Indigenous youth are playing a key role in solving urgent water issues.
Be Inspired
Autumn Peltier
Here in our region, lives a fierce and beautiful soul, speaking up for water and people alike. Finding courage to stand up before leaders of countries on an International stage, at the age of 15. To demand change of our Prime Minister and point out the issues that plague so many; particularly First Nations peoples.
Her name, Autumn Peltier.
She is of the Wiikwemkoong Peoples on Manitoulin Island.
She is Chief Water Commissioner and Water Warrior.
Find her here
CBC News | Autumn Peltier addresses Un on Clean Water
PODCAST | Autumn Peltier, David Suzuki Foundation
Here, with Canadian icon and renowned environmental activist, Dr. David Suzuki.
Connect
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Each of us can speak up and take action for water and people too.
Throughout 2020, members of the Thunder Bay hub co-created the Sustainability Stories Video Series. Their goal was to use digital storytelling to highlight efforts, share learnings, and synthesize a place-responsive understanding of what Sustainability means in the community of Thunder Bay and across the watershed – as related to projects that the project’s members and partners are engaged in. The videos were crafted to tell stories, prompt reflection and invite community participation. The videos also weave together some of the key themes of the LSLLN: relationships, collaboration, diversity, place, and just sustainabilities.
Sustainability Stories Video Series - LsLLn
TAKE ACTION
Listed below are some actions you can take to help protect our earth’s freshwater.
The Council of Canadians - World Water Day Action
“In 2015, there were drinking water advisories in 126 First Nation communities. There are still advisories in 39 First Nation communities. Some of these communities have not been able to drink safe tap water for decades. Entire generations have grown up without being able to trust that their water will not make them sick – something that most of us have never had to consider in our lives.
I’m asking you to take a moment to tell the Prime Minister that we will not stand for any more excuses. Please send a letter to the Trudeau government calling for water justice in Indigenous communities by ending drinking water advisories once and for all. If you have children in your life, you can help them send a Water Drop to the Prime Minister – click here to download a printable Water Drop.
And take a look at some Water Drops from students across the country on our website.
Trudeau: Time to end drinking water advisories in First Nations | The Council of Canadians
For What Are We Without Water.