For many, the Canadian flag symbolizes home. A place of comfort, security and an abundance of maple syrup. But, what is the true meaning behind this flag? I recently came across an image suggesting the colours were representative of the following:
Red for leaves, white for snow, and blue for the respect, cultural preservation, and clean drinking water in First Nations communities.
The 2016 census of Canada recognized more than 1.6 million Canadians identify as Indigenous (Parrott & Filice, 2007). This makes up nearly 5% of the population of the country, and the number is expected to rise in years to come. Years of colonization and oppression from European influence has led to a disregard for the history, culture, and well-being of these people. With such a significant portion of the population represented by members of Indigenous groups, it is difficult to conceive that many of these individuals are living without access to clean water in their communities.
Inadequate drinking water for Indigenous communities has only recently emerged as an issue to be addressed, even though certain advisories have been in place for over 20 years. In 2016, the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau pledged to lift all long-term drinking water advisories of a year or more on reserves by 2021. Many question how successful a feat of this magnitude will be with the dwindling of both time and resources.
This blog will aim to provide an overview of the issue of inadequate access to clean water in various Indigenous communities across Canada. It will first examine the history, culture and communities of Indigenous peoples across Canada. Subsequently, it will overview drinking water advisories and the effects of contaminated water. Finally, there will be an analysis on awareness of the issue and the potential solutions. This will all be discussed through an incorporation of concepts from Conservation Psychology such as education, culture and beliefs, and community management techniques intended to address environmental problems.