The Indigenous Water Allyship
About the Indigenous Water Allyship
Despite living in one of the most water-rich countries, many Indigenous communities in Canada continue to be disproportionately affected by water-related issues. Recurring drinking water advisories increase their exposure to contaminants which can result in waterborne illness and long-term health impacts.
Since 2007, the One Drop Foundation has been ensuring sustainable access to safe water and sanitation all around the world. Committed to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the Foundation is expanding its efforts to improve access to safe water in Canada.
The Indigenous Water Allyship is co-designed and implemented with, by and for First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth and their communities from 2023 to 2030. Through the power of water and social art, the program focuses on promoting the capacity of Indigenous youth to influence water and climate issues, on enhancing Indigenous and intergenerational cultural wisdoms on water-related issues, and on increasing mobilization from all sectors in Canada.
Partners involved
The One Drop Foundation thanks Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, Ovivo and Power Corporation of Canada, whose support will allow this initiative to scale from coast to coast to coast.
We also extend our gratitude to the RBC Foundation, Levine Bros. Plumbing, Listel, University of Western Ontario and Fondation François Bourgeois for their generous support, which has been vital to our projects and activities.
Phase 1 : The Indigenous Youth, Art and Water Initiative
Led by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), the first phase of the Indigenous Water Allyship was co-designed to empower Indigenous youth to express their voice and vision around water-related challenges through art and community-based approaches. This initiative aimed to connect with communities' relationships with water and to celebrate distinct water-related knowledge across Canada, while enhancing intergenerational and intersectoral relationships through community art-based approaches.
As part of IYAWI, One Drop Foundation was honoured to collaborate with Indigenous-led and youth-focused organizations : Caldwell First Nation, Indigenous Elders & Youth Council, Kativik llisarniliriniq, Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warrior Society, Water Movement, Water Ways Collective, WAG-Qaumajuq, and Wapikoni Mobile.
Click here to explore their projects.
Métis artist Mia Cook from Calgary, Alberta, stands in front of Parliament, proudly showcasing her painting in honor of National Indigenous Water Operator Day. Credit: CIER & Water Movement
Phase 2: New projects underway
By 2030, the Indigenous Water Allyship envisions contributing to the well-being of at least 50 of Indigenous communities (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) in Canada by safeguarding the sustainable access to safe drinking water, source water protection and empowering community-led water governance.
In our quest to collaborate with like-minded organizations, foundations and companies who believe in the urgent need to address and change the systemic issues at the heart of clean water and climate challenges, we invite the Canadian community focused on sustainable water initiatives to contact Lauren Alcorn, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Relations, to discuss learning and partnership opportunities.
Land Acknowledgement
The One Drop Foundation acknowledges Inuit, Métis, and First Nations Peoples across Canada as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters since time immemorial. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are with us today, those who have gone before us, and the youth that inspire us.
