Access to safe, clean water is more important than ever under the uncertainty facing First Nations with respect to water. Legislation, questions around sustainable funding, long-term transfer of care and control and the implications of a new national water agency continue to be issues of important to First Nations. Access to water and sanitation is a human right that too many First Nations still don’t have, in comparison to most Canadians.
Building upon the dialogue from the 4th Annual Water Symposium “Protecting Water During Uncertain Times”, the AFN is hosting the 5th Annual Water Symposium focused on addressing important issues facing First Nations across Turtle Island. The theme for this year’s Water Symposium is Our Water, Our Way: Charting a Path to Water Sovereignty.
Call for Presentations
The AFN is undertaking a Call for Presentations process; the deadline for submissions is February 4, 2022 at 5:00pm ET. If you are interested in making a presentation at the Symposium, see link here for more information:
Who should attend?
- Chiefs and Councillors or their representatives, Public Works Managers, First Nations Water and Wastewater Operators, and individuals who are working in the field of water and wastewater management
- First Nations organizations and technicians interested in improving the ways water and wastewater infrastructure is understood, managed and delivered
- Consultants, industry, academia and other non-governmental entities involved or interested in First Nations water issues
Symposium Overview:
The AFN 5th Annual Water Symposium will host virtual plenary sessions, workshops and dialogue opportunities to hear a wide range of views on long-term goals, objectives and strategies for First Nations water and wastewater future post-2021.
This virtual symposium will also provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing AFN prioritiy areas, including legislation and a path forward and to convey to the Government of Canada and the world our goals, objectives and priorities as First Nations in the post-2021 water future.
Agenda Overview:
The Symposium topics will include:
- Traditional Knowledge approaches to protecting our waters, including the management of drinking water and wastewater
- Indigenous-centered and shared practices in management of water and wastewater
- Indigenous rights-based approaches to water management
- Water legislation, policies and protocols through a First Nations lens, including the repeal of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act and what it means for First Nations
- Addressing water quality issues and long and short-term drinking water advisories
- Climate change impacts on water quality and quantity
- Health aspects of water and quality of life
Special Topics Session
February 15, 2022
The AFN is coordinating targeted discussions on February 15, 2022 as part of its ongoing engagement activities. These sessions include discussions on new legislation and a long-term strategy for water and wastewater and will bring together experts, advocates and voices from across First Nations. The two sessions include:
- Women and Water Stewardship
- Technicians & Operators
Day One
Tues, February 15, 2022
Time:11am – 4pm ET
- Women and Water Stewardship
- Technicians and Operators
Day Two
Wed, February 16, 2022
Time: 11am – 4pm ET
- Opening Ceremonies/Prayers
- Welcome Addresses
- Keynote Address
- Workshop Sessions
Day Three
Thurs, February 17, 2022
Time: 11am – 4pm ET
- Plenary Panel Presentations
- Workshops
- Closing Ceremonies
Contact Information:
Registration:
If you need assistance registering online, please contact our Registration Coordinator: Tash Cote at [email protected].
General:
For general information on the 5th Annual Water Symposium, contact us at [email protected]