DECOLONIZING WATER MANAGEMENT IN CANADA

THROUGH THE EMPOWERMENT OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN

Abstract

Indigenous women were traditionally recognized as “water
carriers” who played a leadership role equal to men in their
communities. Since the Indian Act (1876), however, they have
faced “double discrimination,” as both Indigenous and women.
This paper examines Attawapiskat First Nation’s water
crisis to highlight colonialism and government’s failure to coordinate
a response at all levels resulting in much suffering,
especially among Indigenous women and children. Drawing
on the recent international WASH initiative and Anishinabek
decolonizing efforts, the paper underscores the significance
of a decolonial approach to water management based on the
empowerment of Indigenous women and a coordinated government
response to the protection of source water resources.