| First Nations in Canada do not enjoy the same level of drinking water quality as other Canadians. Watershed-scale source water protection has been advanced as a rational and efficient means of improving First Nation drinking water quality. However, First Nation source water protection governance is complex due to fragmented jurisdiction over water on reserves. The intent of this research is to explore the source water protection interface between Six Nations of the Grand River and the Province of Ontario. To satisfy this aim, a case study research design was employed. Data was collected through document analysis, observations, interviews, and workshops, and analyzed through open and axial coding. A narrative of source water protection in Six Nations was written, and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the source water protection interface were then discussed in the context of watershed governance. The research revealed that differences in implementation, politics, and roles constrain effective, watershed-scale source water protection across reserve boundaries. Watershed-scale source water protection governance between First Nations and Ontario is enhanced by informal relationships between watershed actors. |
