(March 22, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – On World Water Day, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is calling on the federal government to take action to end long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations and to invest in freshwater protection, glacier preservation, and climate resilience.
“Water is life, yet too many First Nations still lack access to safe, clean drinking water and face increasing threats to their lands and waters,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “While commitments have been made, long-term drinking water advisories remain in place, leaving our Nations without reliable access to clean water.”
“Clean drinking water is a basic human right and an essential service. The failure to pass Bill C-61, a bill intended to provide legal protections for clean drinking water in First Nations, was a missed opportunity to address this crisis. The federal government must reintroduce this legislation as a priority and work with First Nations to ensure solutions that uphold our rights and responsibilities to water,” added National Chief. “We must also protect our natural water systems from threats posed by the United States, which could violate our Treaty rights and breach international and bilateral agreements, including the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Columbia River Treaty.”
World Water Day, recognized annually by the United Nations (UN) on March 22, highlights the importance of protecting freshwater sources. This year’s theme “Glacier Preservation,” focuses on the need to preserve natural water systems, including lakes, rivers, and glaciers—which First Nations have protected for generations.
“Climate change is accelerating glacial loss, directly threatening First Nations’ lands, waters, and ways of life. As glaciers shrink, freshwater sources are threatened, impacting ecosystems, drinking water, and traditional practices. The next federal government must support First Nations-led freshwater stewardship by ensuring we have the tools to monitor, research, and manage industrial and environmental threats. First Nations must be true partners in water governance, and our leadership in conservation, including the protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, must be fully recognized and strengthened. This includes ensuring dedicated funding for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and First Nations-led water stewardship.
Today, we also uplift and acknowledge our grandmothers, water carriers, and land defenders who have long fought to protect water for future generations. Your wisdom, resilience, and leadership guide us in this work, and we honour your advocacy for future generations,” concluded AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Ayman Hammamieh
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
343-573-1771 (mobile)
[email protected]