Chiefs of Ontario

Chiefs of Ontario - Canada Water Agency Pre-Engagement Sessions

This website will be updated regularly. Please check back frequently for updates.

The Chiefs of Ontario is supported with the capacity to engage in discussions regarding freshwater issues in collaboration with Ontario chiefs and technicians.

Chiefs of Ontario will be hosting:

  • Six workshops on priority freshwater issues and preparing a report on the sessions: Jan 26, Jan 27, Feb 8, Feb 11, Feb 22 and 23. Each workshop will be on a different topic related to water governance and will build on the discussions of the previous workshops held.

  • Chiefs Committee meeting to review the prepared report and make recommendations for next steps to address the establishment of the Canada Water Agency: March 24, 2022

Who should attend:

  • First Nations Leadership and technicians.

Location:

  • Online via Zoom

For more information: Contact Ryan Bowie via email at Ryan.Bowie@coo.org

To Register: Contact Sally G via email at Sally.Gaikezheyongai@coo.org

Canada Water Agency Pre-Engagement Sessions Information

 

Background

The Canada Water Agency (CWA) is a proposal from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), with support from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, intended to improve freshwater management practices and coordination across Canada. The federal government is currently in the process of soliciting feedback on objectives and issues to be considered. The scope of the Agency is potentially very large, as it could include watershed management, research, freshwater data, infrastructure, restoration and protection, as well as any other aspect that is relevant to the management of freshwater in Canada. The proposal for the CWA advocates for a ‘whole of government’ approach given the number of departments and activities that affect freshwater management.

Objectives

These workshops will provide an opportunity for information exchange between First Nations’ leadership, technicians and guests to ensure First Nations are prepared to make informed decisions related to the establishment of a potential Canada Water Agency. The focus will be on First Nations’ vision, realities, capacities and goals for water in order to put forth ideas on how First Nations envision optimal water management.

Registering for the Series

TO REGISTER for 1 or more workshops: Contact Sally.Gaikezheyongai@coo.org

Workshop Schedule and Registration Links:

Workshop 1 – First Nations’ Relationships, Knowledge, and Vision for Protecting Water
January 26, 2022 (10:30-2:00 EST)

Workshop 2 – Major Watersheds in Ontario: Issues, Capacities and Goals for Watershed Governance and Management
January 27, 2022 (10:30-2:00 EST)

Workshop 3 – Watershed Management: Different Models for First Nations’ Roles
February 8, 2022 (10:30-2:00 EST)

Workshop 4 – Capacity Needs and Knowledge Gaps: What are the Tools Needed for First Nations to Fulfill Responsibilities to Water?
February 11, 2022 (10:30-2:00 EST)

Workshop 5 – Sustainability and Indigenous Rights: International Instruments to Support Local Actions
February 22, 2022 (10:30-2:00 EST)

Workshop 6 – First Nations Goals for the Stewardship and Protection of Water
February 23, 2022 (10:30-2:00 EST)

These will be information sessions only; not part of any First Nation consultation process. No comments made from First Nations will be documented as definitive policy statements, approvals or endorsements at these sessions.

 

Support Contact Information