Canada’s Clean Water Act risks undermining Indigenous governance and water sovereignty
Original framing: “Canada’s proposed clean water act needs stronger protections for Indigenous communities” — The Conversation - Global
Indigenous communities in Canada have long-standing legal and spiritual relationships with water, which are not adequately recognized in the proposed legislation. Incorporating Indigenous legal frameworks and water governance models is essential for equitable policy development.
The proposed Clean Water Act reflects a continuation of colonial governance structures that marginalize Indigenous sovereignty over water.
By integrating Indigenous legal systems, funding Indigenous stewardship, and establishing co-governance models, Canada can move toward a more equitable and sustainable water policy. Historical patterns of exclusion must be disrupted through legal reform and policy innovation, guided by Indigenous leadership and cross-cultural collaboration. The Māori model of river personhood and the success of Indigenous water monitoring programs offer proven pathways forward. A systemic approach must recognize water not only as a resource but as a living entity with rights, a perspective deeply embedded in Indigenous worldviews.