CIER, One Drop Foundation and partners to launch the Indigenous Water Allyship
by CM staff
A partnership aiming to improve living conditions and health in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities through water and art.
WINNIPEG and MONTRÉAL — The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), Canada’s first Indigenous-directed environmental non-profit organization and the One Drop Foundation announced the launch of the Indigenous Water Allyship, a collaborative-led initiative to improve living conditions and health through water and art in Indigenous communities across Canada.
The initiative is co-designed and implemented with the active involvement of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth and their communities, and is supported by private partners Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, Ovivo, and Power Corporation of Canada, who are making contributions to the efforts towards safe water access in Canada.
Despite living in one of the world’s most water-rich countries, Indigenous communities in Canada continue to be disproportionately affected by issues related to safe water access. Recurring drinking water advisories increase their exposure to contaminants which can result in waterborne illness and long-term health impacts. Restoring access to safe water, one of the most essential sources of life, allows for reciprocal restoration, a mutual healing of water and people and is central to advancing reconciliation and self-determination.
The first phase of the Indigenous Water Allyship, led by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), is meant to empower Indigenous youth to express their voice and vision around water-related challenges through art and community-based approaches. Its second phase will work with Indigenous communities to develop a long-term program to improve living conditions and health in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada through increased knowledge and equitable access to safe water. This will be achieved through the implementation of concrete solutions and interventions identified through the collaborative work deployed in the first phase.
“This initiative aligns with our goal of building capacity for Indigenous communities across Canada,” said Shianne McKay, Senior Project Manager at the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources. “It amplifies youth voices that create community awareness and opportunities to improve access to safe drinking water.”
