Listen to real stories from Indigenous community members about their water experiences!
Community Connections
Learn directly from Indigenous community members about their experiences with water challenges. Listen with respect, ask thoughtful questions, and build understanding.
Respectful Engagement Guidelines
- • Listen with an open heart and mind
- • Ask questions that show genuine interest and respect
- • Remember these are real people sharing personal experiences
- • Avoid making assumptions or judgments
- • Thank community members for sharing their stories
Featured Stories
Elder Mary from Neskantaga First Nation
Community Elder
For over 25 years, our community has lived under a boil water advisory. Every day, we have to boil water just to drink it safely. Our children have never known what it's like to turn on a tap and trust the water that comes out. This affects everything - cooking, bathing, even brushing teeth becomes a challenge.
Josh Taylor-Detlor
Student Engagement Coordinator at United College
On Treaty land, where many Indigenous people live off-reserve, water has become a serious concern. Industrial dumping on a nearby water reservoir has led to contamination, leaving fewer community members able to attend meetings about the crisis. While Canada ranks 5th in global water quality, that drops to 60th when considering reserves — showing the deep inequality in access to safe water. For Indigenous peoples, this isn't just a health issue — it's a cultural one, as water is one of the first sacred gifts from Mother Nature.
James from Attawapiskat
Youth Advocate
Growing up, I thought it was normal to carry bottled water everywhere. When I visited the city for the first time, I was amazed that people could just drink from the tap. It made me realize how different our reality is. Now I'm working to help my community get the clean water we deserve.
Sarah from Grassy Narrows
Environmental Advocate
Our water has been contaminated with mercury for decades. It's not just about having clean drinking water - it's about our connection to the land, our traditional foods from the water, and our way of life. When the water is sick, our whole community suffers.
Video Stories from Water Advocates
Goadeh
Indigenous Water Advocate
Hear from Goadeh about the importance of water protection and Indigenous perspectives on water rights.
Autumn Peltier
International Water Advocate
Autumn Peltier, a young Anishinaabe water activist, shares her powerful message about protecting water for future generations.
Joane Robertson
Community Leader
Joane Robertson discusses the water crisis in Indigenous communities and the path forward.
Ask a Thoughtful Question
Have a respectful question about water challenges in Indigenous communities? Submit it here and community members may choose to share their perspectives.
Questions are reviewed before being shared with community members. Please ensure your question is respectful, thoughtful, and focused on learning.
Building Understanding Together
By listening to and learning from Indigenous community members, we build empathy, understanding, and support for clean water access for all. Every conversation helps create awareness and drives positive change. Thank you for taking the time to listen and learn.
Listen with respect and an open heart to community members' stories.