Nii-Be (Water)

The Water Resources Unit was established within the Union of Ontario Indians in the fall of 2007, and is currently staffed with a Water Resources Policy Analyst and an Administrative Assistant. The goal of the Water Resources Unit is to improve communication, dialogue, and relations between the Anishinabek Nation, and its 39 member First Nations, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The Water Resources working area encompasses the traditional territory of the 39 member First Nations of the Anishinabek Nation.  

Purpose

The purpose of the Water Resources Unit is to provide support to its 39 member First Nation communities on water issues ranging from water quality and quantity to water management and the management of other resources that are depend on Water.

First Nation people have Treaty and Aboriginal rights with respect to water as the Great Lakes and all inland waters have sustained the life of the Anishinabek since time immemorial. First Nation women have an inherited role to be traditional keepers and spiritual protectors of this valuable resource, given that water has the responsibility to purify, cleans and give life to Mother Earth and to all Creations.

Current Initiatives

Initiatives currently underway in the Water Resources Unit include:

·        Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Sustainable Water Resource Agreement

·        Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge and Water Workshop and Panel Discussion

·        Development of a First Nation Water Advisory Network

·        Water Information Project (WIP)

·        Assisting Communities with Water Issues 

Gagnon, Rhonda Water Policy Anayst Tel: 705-497-9127 Fax: 705-497-9135	St.Louis, Sarah Water Resources Assistant Tel: 705-497-9127 Fax: 705-497-9135