Water

Water is a fundamental human right for all. Yet despite Canada’s abundance of freshwater sources, many Indigenous people in Canada still lack access to safe drinking water. Some have lived their whole lives in communities with long-term water advisories. Although many water challenges in Indigenous communities are due to a lack of sufficient infrastructure,  many are faced with the challenge of finding dedicated and trained personnel to run this infrastructure.

We aim to work with partners toward a “Boil Water Advisory” FREE Canada. Through “Water” we support the various projects of Water First, a registered charity in Canada dedicated to providing clean drinking water solutions to Indigenous communities across the country.

Supporting Water

True North Aid is proud to work with organizations such as Water First whose mission to help provide water education and resources to Indigenous communities across the country.

Drinking Water Inequities in Indigenous Communities

Water Advisories in Indigenous Communities

  • Although Canada holds the third-largest freshwater reserves globally, 618 First Nations communities still lack access to safe drinking water. In 2018, more than 100 First Nations communities were affected by 174 advisories warning against unsafe drinking water.
  • As of May 2025, there are 37 long-term water advisories still in effect within 37 Indigenous communities.
  • Some Indigenous communities have gone almost three decades without safe drinking water.

Colonial Influence on Clean Water Access

  • Indigenous Peoples in Canada often have less trust in their drinking water compared to non-Indigenous populations, largely due to the legacy of colonialism.

Environmental Impact on Clean Water Access

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Article 25

Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources and to uphold their responsibilities to future generations in this regard.

Water Project Highlights

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Get involved today!

Whether through volunteering, fundraising, monetary or supply donations there are many ways to support the communities we work with. Get started today. Together we can make a difference!
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