For example, Shoal Lake 40 resides on the water used by the city of Winnipeg - it is considered trespassing if they use that waterway

Exploring Issues within Canada's Indigenous Populations - Water Rights and Access

Social/Cultural Implications

Everyone deserves the right to clean water

Why should indigenous people be treated as third class?

Political Implications

Privatization of water plants

The federal governments fears privatizations because it would result in a loss of power and control

Access to clean water for these smaller communities is not a priority for politicians

Economic Implications

Current situation is unsustainable

Shoal Lake spends $150,000 a year importing bottled water

Environmental Implications

The reserves have access to water nearby; they simply need the resources to clean that water

Causes

The federal and local governments are not prioritizing the institutions of these much needed water treatment plants for reserves in particular

Federal funding is inadequate to provide proper water and waste treatment systems

Concern

169 First Nations communities/reserves have been under "boil water advisories" and/or "Do Not Consume" orders for almost 20 years

Possible Solutions

Self-government for indigenous communities

Shoal Lake 40 has proposed to build a road to connect its community to the TransCanada highway: this would allow them easy access to build the much-needed water plant system

Historical Legacies

Overtime, governments have taken advantage of unfair treaties signed generations ago

On the international stage, Canada is looked upon as a highly regarded, socially responsible country. Setting the example that communities go without clean water is not something Canada should be proud of. The lack of clean drinking water for indigenous people taints Canada's reputation.