Across Canada, many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities continue to live without guaranteed access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. Long-term boil-water advisories, aging infrastructure, environmental contamination, and chronic underfunding are not accidents; they are the result of ongoing colonial policies and systemic inequities.

Water is a human right. It is also sacred. No community should be denied what others take for granted. Yet, in 2026, these issues persist, posing severe health risks and perpetuating socio-economic barriers in Indigenous communities.

According to Indigenous Services Canada, there were still 39 long-term drinking water advisories in effect in 37 First Nations communities as of February 2026. This statistic does not even begin to reflect the number of temporary advisories or instances where communities may choose not to issue advisories due to inadequate resources or fear of negative impacts.

To rectify these injustices, we must take urgent and meaningful actions:

1. Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades: The Canadian government must allocate sufficient funds to replace outdated water and wastewater systems in Indigenous communities.
2. Address Environmental Contamination: Prioritize environmental clean-up efforts to remove contaminants from water sources in affected areas.
3. Support Indigenous Management of Resources: Empower Indigenous communities by supporting community-run water management systems with adequate training and resources.
4. Implement Policy Changes: Mandate policies that enforce clean water access as a standard in all Canadian communities.
5. Ensure Transparency and Accountability: Set clear targets and deadlines with regular progress reports, holding those responsible for delays or failures accountable.

Together, we can urge the Canadian government to do better. We must insist on equitable water justice for Indigenous peoples, because the health and dignity of every individual should be safeguarded. Sign this petition to stand for justice, humanity, and the belief that no one should be denied their most basic rights.