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Actions Taken This Week To Contribute To My Social Action Initiative - The Need For Clean Drinking Water In Indigenous Communities 

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Actions Taken This Week To Contribute To My Social Action Initiative - The Need For Clean Drinking Water In Indigenous Communities 

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I have created posts on social media, specifically Instagram that features some quotes, a book that addresses this issue, a page dedicated to talking about the lack of clean drinking water in Indigenous communities & a need for 'righting' this injustice. Also included is a picture of me with a copper water mug which is an important & sacred item in our traditional ceremonies. Amazing artwork from Indigenous artists that showcase the issue & the importance of taking actions to resolve this issue that affects the majority of Indigenous communities. I demonstrated how access to clean drinking water is an issue. This is an issue for me where I live too, even though we live close to the community. Clean water is a human right. I have created a survey to see where people were on the stages of change continuum before viewing my initiative and where they felt they were after viewing my initiative.

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Specific Evidence & Statistics of Initiative

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Specific Evidence & Statistics of Initiative

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There has been positive feedback and interaction on my social media posts. I have talked to individuals about the issue and have received advice on how to proceed with putting my initiative into action. For example: I was encouraged to reach out to government officials, people outside of the Indigenous community and to showcase how others feel about this issue through the peer committee feedback discussion.
Statistics: Many Indigenous communities in Canada still lack access to safe drinking water. Certain communities still have issues with E-coli, toxic heavy metals, a remnant of negligent industry. As well, many communities deal with water that is infested with parasites and bacteria. Canada is one of the most water-rich nations in the world, however, they are not willing to guarantee access to clean drinking water to Indigenous communities.
73% of the water systems in Indigenous communities are at a medium to high risk contamination (Council of Canadians,n.d.).
There are currently 54 long-term boil advisories in Indigenous communities, meaning that they have no access to clean drinking water (Government of Canada, 2021).
Current reports indicate that since March 2021, 101 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, restoring 5850 homes and 430 community buildings in 73 First Nation communities. This is a step in the right direction, however, the process is way too slow and many communities remain affected by the lack of clean drinking water. Trudeau's promise in 2015 to end all boil water advisories by 2021 has not happened and he continues to backtrack and blame the coronavirus pandemic for causing these delays (Sachedina & Cousins, 2020). This commitment should have been dealt with long before the pandemic.

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I think the initiative has created an awareness to viewers that had no idea about the clean drinking water crisis that Indigenous communities face. This platform allowed Indigenous voices to be heard. Sharing stories and being brutally honest to the viewer demonstrates the need for understanding and action. It also created a space to allow people to understand how important this issue is to Indigenous communities and to encourage allies to make a difference by initiating more conversations and put into action plans to eliminate this issue and stop the clean drinking water crisis from existing. Holding the government accountable is also an important step in this process. Keeping people in the dark about this issue is unacceptable.
Not everyone is going to be an ally or agree with the situation, however, the platform I have created and plan on expanding on is beneficial to those who want to learn and take part in making a difference with Indigenous rights.
Everyone is entitled to clean drinking water. It is time to make it happen.

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Although I feel as though I am knowledgeable with the crisis of clean drinking water in Indigenous communities I was able to implement creative ways to bring awareness to others. It is very important to me as I face this challenge on my reserve.
This initiative brought new perspectives and personal connections. Speaking with others was healing at times because it gave me a sense of hope. I realized that a lot of non-Indigenous people are supportive and want to be part of changing things for the better. On the flip side, I was shocked to read that some people were totally oblivious to haw severe this crisis is and how it has impacted many or most Indigenous communities.
I am passionate about advocacy and will continue to spread awareness whenever and however I can to support my First Nation and others too. My strong voice will carry far and wide across Turtle Island in hopes that the clean drinking water crisis will be resolved and that every one living on Turtle Island will benefit and be treated equally. I am proud of myself on bringing awareness on this issue and feel like I am a role model to my community, Indigenous youth and young adults. I feel like my initiative is the first steps to recognition & reconciliation and educating others to effect change.

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Artwork by Monique Aura (Mo_Thunder)

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Autumn Peltier on the fight for clean drinking water in Canada’s Indigenous communities. (2021, April 22). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hA75_OE00A

Cecco, L. (2021, April 30). Dozens of Canada’s First Nations lack drinking water: ‘Unacceptable in a country so rich.’ The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/30/canada-first-nations-justin-trudeau-drinking-water

Stefanovich, Olivia. (2021, February 25). CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/auditor-general-reports-2021-1.5927572

The Neskantaga Water Crisis. (2021, April 3). ArcGIS StoryMaps. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6aeef175dcca41d3a5dec217509e9940

Why some First Nations reserves don’t have clean drinking water. (2019, September 26). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibWLCYknpNc