Luke Boal (University of Ottawa) , Eric Champagne (University of Ottawa)
Water insecurity is a significant issue faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada due to the legacy and ongoing impacts of colonialism. Governance plays a key role in establishing water security and the sustainable development of water resources. For these reasons, this case study examines whether using a multilevel governance approach could reduce water insecurity faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. To do so, the research studies the Northwest Territories Water Stewardship Strategy that implemented a multilevel water governance approach. Information collected on the case is sourced from a detailed review of academic and grey literature, which included ninety articles and documents in the scoping review. An analytical framework for multilevel climate governance structured the analysis of results. Findings suggest that multilevel governance can potentially reduce water insecurity for Indigenous peoples in Canada if the right conditions exist. These elements include incorporating traditional knowledge, Indigenous leadership, and Indigenous community-based monitoring into water strategies. We argue that a collaborative, multilevel approach between western and traditional knowledge that informs decision-making, can contribute to the decolonization of water governance, and can reduce the water insecurity faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. Furthermore, as traditional guardians of the lands and waters, the empowerment of Indigenous peoples through multilevel governance could potentially assist with environmental conservation.