Shifting the Framework of Canadian Water Governance through Indigenous Research Methods: Acknowledging the Past with an Eye on the Future

• DOI: 10.3390/w10010049
• Publication Date: 2018-01-10T17:41:10Z
• Authors: Rachel Arsenault; Sibyl Diver; Deborah McGregor; Aaron Witham; Carrie Bourassa
• Keywords: Traditional Knowledge; Water development; Community Engagement

First Nations communities in Canada are disproportionately affected by poor water quality. As one example, many have been living under boil advisories for decades, but government interventions to date had limited impact. This paper examines the importance of using Indigenous research methodologies address current issues affecting Nations. The work is part larger project applying decolonizing governance. Because epistemologies a central component methods, our analysis begins with presenting theoretical framework understanding relations. We then consider three cases innovative initiatives that demonstrate how and policy can adopt more Indigenous-centered approach practice. Cases include (1) an Community-Based Health Research Lab follows two-eyed seeing philosophy (Saskatchewan); (2) uses collective knowledge sharing frameworks facilitate respectful, non-extractive conversations among Elders traditional holders (Ontario); (3) long-term community-based initiative on practicing reciprocal learning (British Columbia, Alberta). By establishing new governance informed authors hope promote innovative, adaptable solutions, rooted epistemologies.