Refocusing the lens: Drinking water success in First Nations in Ontario

• Published in: Canadian Public Administration
• Main Authors: McCullough, Jason, Farahbakhsh, Khosrow
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: French
• Published: Wiley 2015
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/capa.12114; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fcapa.12114; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/capa.12114

Abstract This article examines the definition of success in First Nations drinking water service as voiced by the First Nations technical community of practice. The research explores success stories to identify success themes and factors to formulate a workable definition for policy‐makers. Researchers interviewed sixteen technical practitioners in Ontario using a semi‐structured approach. Data analysis revealed a definition of success that extends beyond the technical boundary to include professional growth, employment, local action and a facilitating policy environment. This comprehensive definition provides a basis for policy and program considerations to increase First Nations buy‐in and foster a constructive environment for drinking water improvements.