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

Authors

Rachel Arsenault, Laurentian University
Sibyl Diver, Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University
Deborah McGregor, Osgoode Hall Law School of York UniversityFollow
Aaron Witham, Environmental Bio-Detection Products Incorporated
Carrie Bourassa, Health Sciences North Research Institute

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-10-2018

Source Publication

Water 2018, 10(1), 49

Keywords

Indigenous research methods, water governance, Indigenous knowledge systems, Indigenous water relations, community-based research, reciprocal learning, environmental justice, boil water advisories, First Nations, Canada

Abstract

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

Comments

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/10/1/49

Repository Citation

Arsenault, Rachel; Diver, Sibyl; McGregor, Deborah; Witham, Aaron; and Bourassa, Carrie, "Shifting the Framework of Canadian Water Governance through Indigenous Research Methods: Acknowledging the Past with an Eye on the Future" (2018). Articles & Book Chapters. 2893.
https://digitalcommons.osgoode.yorku.ca/scholarly_works/2893