Beyond Physical: Impacts of Water Regulations in First Nations Communities

• Main Author: Bharadwaj, Lalita
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: WEPGN; Project Description; Drinking Water Supply; Safety; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10464/14377

In Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation, there is increasing pressure on water resources by increased cottage development, sewage disposal to the river system, management of the Qu’Appelle and Gardiner Dams, impacting water flows and levels and increased flooding events. At the time this project was initiated, the community had serious concerns about the impacts of a proposal from a multinational potash mining company to withdraw water from Katepwa Lake for use in mining operations. The community was concerned with the impact on water quality, water level, and traditional and cultural activities pertaining to water. Initial meetings with Chief and Council also revealed that seasonal flooding threatens human safety, homes, and critical infrastructure, and the implementation of emergency measures puts considerable strain on the Band’s resources. Shortly after this research project began, the mining company withdrew their proposal to withdraw water. However, Standing Buffalo remained interested in exploring the significance of water to the community and the ways in which water (and the surrounding natural environment) is important and valuable to the community’s culture and traditions. Given the geographic location of the reserve, there are ongoing and potentially increasing impacts related to water that could arise from both anthropogenic and natural changes in the environment