Surreal illustration of Indigenous art and a landscape depicting a pristine water source and a community struggling with water scarcity.

Water Wisdom: Why Indigenous Knowledge is Key to Canada's Water Security

Lena Voss in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Bridging the Gap: Exploring how traditional ecological knowledge can reshape water management for Indigenous communities."

Many Indigenous communities in Canada face significant challenges related to water quality and access. Current approaches to solving these issues often fall short because they don't adequately consider Indigenous perspectives and cultural values, leading to ineffective or inappropriate solutions. This article explores the critical role of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in achieving local water security.

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet many Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by water advisories and lack of resources. This vulnerability stems from a complex interplay of factors, including exposure to contaminants, inadequate infrastructure, and historical marginalization.

By understanding Indigenous perspectives, identifying existing tools that incorporate Indigenous values, and charting a path forward for integrated research, we can move towards more equitable and sustainable water management practices in Canada.

The Indigenous Perspective: Water as Life

Surreal illustration of Indigenous art and a landscape depicting a pristine water source and a community struggling with water scarcity.

For many Indigenous cultures, water is not simply a resource; it is a living entity with a spiritual connection to the land and all living things. Traditional stories and teachings emphasize the interconnectedness of water, land, and animals. Water is often viewed as the lifeblood of Mother Earth, essential for well-being and cultural practices.

This holistic view contrasts sharply with the Western perspective, which often treats water as a commodity to be exploited for economic gain. Industrial development, pollution, and overuse of water resources have had a devastating impact on Indigenous communities, threatening their rights and ways of life.

Water from Natural Sources: Indigenous communities often rely on natural sources like springs, creeks, and rivers for their water. However, these sources are increasingly threatened by pollution and climate change.
Water and Gender: Indigenous women play a vital role in water resource protection and are considered the primary holders of water knowledge. They are responsible for overseeing community water supplies and maintaining traditional ceremonies that honor water.

Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into water management requires recognizing the cultural and spiritual significance of water, respecting traditional practices, and empowering Indigenous communities to lead the way in protecting this precious resource.

A Path Forward: Integrating Knowledge for Water Security

Achieving water security in Indigenous communities requires a comprehensive approach that integrates Indigenous Knowledge with Western science. This means fostering equitable partnerships, developing community-based assessment tools, and implementing appropriate technologies.

Several key steps must be taken to address the complexities of this issue:

<ul> <li>Equitable engagement of IK and WS through complementary research methods.</li> <li>Weaving evidence from both knowledge systems for comprehensive solutions.</li> <li>Development of new community-based Indigenous assessment tools.</li> <li>Appropriate technologies and solutions for local water insecurity.</li> </ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2166/wh.2018.107, Alternate LINK

Title: Critical Elements For Local Indigenous Water Security In Canada: A Narrative Review

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Journal of Water and Health

Publisher: IWA Publishing

Authors: Tessa Latchmore, C. J. Schuster-Wallace, Dan Roronhiakewen Longboat, Sarah E. Dickson-Anderson, Anna Majury

Published: 2018-10-15

Everything You Need To Know

Why do many Indigenous communities in Canada struggle with water security?

Many Indigenous communities face challenges accessing safe drinking water due to a combination of factors, including exposure to contaminants, insufficient infrastructure, and historical marginalization. These communities often rely on natural water sources like springs and rivers that are increasingly threatened by pollution and climate change, further exacerbating the problem.

How do Indigenous perspectives on water differ from Western perspectives?

In many Indigenous cultures, water is viewed as a living entity with deep spiritual significance, interconnected with the land and all living things. This holistic view contrasts with the Western perspective, which often treats water as a commodity for economic exploitation. Recognizing the cultural and spiritual importance of water is essential for effective water management in Indigenous communities.

How can Indigenous Knowledge be incorporated into water management practices?

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) can be integrated into water management by forming equitable partnerships between Indigenous communities and Western scientists. This involves developing community-based assessment tools, respecting traditional practices, and implementing appropriate technologies that align with Indigenous values and cultural context.

What role do Indigenous women play in water resource management?

Indigenous women play a crucial role in water resource protection and are often considered the primary holders of Indigenous Knowledge related to water. They are responsible for managing community water supplies and maintaining traditional ceremonies that honor water. Recognizing and supporting their role is essential for sustainable water management.

What are the implications of integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Western science for water security in Canada?

Achieving water security in Indigenous communities requires recognizing the limitations of solely relying on Western science and embracing Indigenous Knowledge. By integrating Indigenous perspectives on water as a life force with scientific methods, we can foster equitable partnerships and develop comprehensive, community-based solutions that are more effective and sustainable. This integrated approach also requires addressing historical injustices and empowering Indigenous communities to lead the way in protecting their water resources and cultural heritage.