Innovation in First Nations Water Security -The Soft Path - Kevin D. Rumsey, M.A., M.Sc BCWWA Yukon Conference and Trade Show

Transcription

1 Innovation in First Nations Water Security -The Soft Path - Kevin D. Rumsey, M.A., M.Sc BCWWA Yukon Conference and Trade Show

2 Outline Background Introduce some terms and concepts Historical and current challenges Going forward: Soft Path approach and Indigenous Laws Example of supporting initiatives YT Two examples from ON Conclusion

3

4 What is Water Security?

5 Defined as: The capacityof a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of and acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being and socio-economic development. In addition, protection against water-borne pollution, water-related disasters and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability. - UN (2013)

6 Four Pillars: Good Governance/Management Adequate Financing Transboundary Cooperation Peace and Political Stability

7

8 Petitions to Government

9

10

11

12 Challenges Historical & cultural wrongs Systemic financial shortfalls Dependency on govt Lack of political will Mis-management Remoteness Poverty Old, failing treatment systems Exploding population and undersized systems Lack of capacity to operate and maintain Recruitment and retainment of qualified personnel

13

14 Throwing $$ only, not good enough.

15 Constitution Act, 1867

16 The Constitution Act, 1982

17 Clash of Cultures? Despite several hundred years of contact and relations, there remains enormous gaps in a cross-cultural understanding between Indigenous peoples and non-indigenous Canadians. The biggest gap is a fundamental differences in world view. In many cases, it is simply the inability to explain matters in a way that is understandable or an unwillingness to listen. - Assembly of First Nations (2005)

18 World view = world perception

19 Provincial jurisdiction for water allocation

20 Soft Path & Indigenous Laws Blue Ecology

21 Hard Path of Water Management Traditional engineering methodologies Centralized decision making Supply management Large infrastructure Impermeable, Inflexible Energy intensive mechanical and chemical treatment Linear and logical Against nature

22 Soft Path Acknowledge ecological integrity and limits Broader and wholistic goals Finding a balance Integration approach Sustainability, conservation, resilience Demand management Community centered/driven Decentralized decision-making Creative partnerships and financing Works with nature Innovation Flexible

23 Elements of Indigenous Laws Water and lands are honored and sacred Rivers and streams are the lifeblood of the Great Mother Intrinsic connections to all living and non-living Strong stewardship/protector obligations for land and water Decisions made for the long term 7 generation Wholistic views that incorporate the body, heart, mind and spirit Intergenerational learning Community of Sharing

24 Supporting Initiatives in Yukon

25 Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement 1993

26 Chapter 14 Water Management

27

28

29 Yukon Water Strategy

30 Sandra Meekis

31 Nico Suggashire Quinton Rae

32 KeewaytinookOkimakanak

33

34 Requires integrated approach at watershed scale:

35

36

37 The foundation of successare really the people, not the big sexy infrastructure.

38

39 Thank you Questions?