Documenting First Nations perspectives on water : engaging Fort William First Nation in source water protection using photovoice

Abstract

This research project was created through a partnership between the Anishnabe of the Gitchi Gami Environmental Programs, the Fort William First Nation Youth Council and Lakehead University. Together 13 members of the Fort William First Nation participated in a photovoice project to document perspectives on source water protection. Many First Nations communities are not involved in the creation of source water protection policy, which can increase the risk to drinking water supply. Through the use of photovoice this research examines community perspectives about water and peoples' connection to it. This exploratory research examined three themes: jurisdictional issues, threats and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. The use of photovoice is a positive way to increase involvement in and discussions about source water protection. This method provides the opportunity for communities to examine source water protection from a science-based perspective, and share their knowledge, experiences and understanding of source water protection from a Traditional Ecological Knowledge perspective.