Supporting First Nations control of water delivery
Supporting First Nations communities to assume control and delivery of infrastructure, including water and wastewater services.
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First Nations control of services
Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) mandate includes gradually transferring services to First Nations-led organizations. ISC and First Nations communities are working together to transfer the care and control of water and wastewater services to First Nations bodies. Similar efforts are being made in education, housing and child and family services.
The transfer of services administered by ISC to First Nations:
- responds to community requests
- advances self-determination
- supports recognition of First Nations control over First Nations services
- results in better outcomes
- advances reconciliation
For water and wastewater services, this includes the development, provision, assessment and improvement of programs and services to support clean water. Communities will be supported by Indigenous institutions in financing, procurement and maintenance of public infrastructure.
Transfer of water and wastewater services to the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority
One example of work underway to transfer care and control of services is taking place in the Atlantic Region, where in 2020, the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) and the Minister of Indigenous Services signed a framework to facilitate the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of water and wastewater services for up to 17 communities.
Once the transfer is complete, the AFNWA will assume responsibility for water and wastewater services to more than 4,500 homes and business on reserve, which represents approximately 60% of First Nations people who live on reserve in Atlantic Canada.