Research will probe dangerous water quality in First Nations communities

A team of McMaster University researchers is partnering with members of two First Nations communities, including the nearby Six Nations of the Grand River, to find out what is contaminating drinking water. The Co-creation of Indigenous Water Quality Tools project is Indigenous-led, meaning community members will help shape where, how and what contaminants the team looks for.

“It brings together scientific experts with what elders have always known,” said Dawn Martin-Hill, McMaster University associate professor of anthropology and holder of the Paul R. MacPherson Chair in Indigenous Studies. “Indigenous knowledge is finally being recognized … health is directly tied to environment.”

Martin-Hill’s leading the three-year project that was recently awarded $950,000 to test drinking water within two First Nations communities — Six Nations and the Lubicon Cree Nation of Little Buffalo, whose Northern Albertan traditional territory is used for oilsands extraction. The need is startling: A recent analysis shows perhaps 72,000 people were affected by drinking water advisories in First Nations communities at the start of this year. Last year 133 boil water advisories were issued in 90 First Nations communities across Canada, affecting more than 50,000 people. Martin-Hill, who lives on Six Nations, said there are […]

Full article: Research will probe dangerous water quality in First Nations communities

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