First Nation capacity in Quebec to practice Integrated Water Resource Management

The emergence of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) coincides with the growth of watershed associations in Quebec. As a collective entity of stakeholders, these watershed associations use collaborative efforts to achieve IWRM. First Nations are often cited as priority stakeholders. Despite this 'priority' recognition, First Nations are rarely present in this new paradigm shift in water management. This is the case in Quebec's Outaouais and Chateauguay watersheds. However, identifying First Nation capacity strengths and limitations provides a greater understanding as to their absence from IWRM participation. First Nation capacity to practice IWRM requires greater research. The purpose of this study is to apply an analytical framework to assess the overall capacity of two First Nation communities to practice IWRM in the province of Quebec. The capacities of Kitigan Zibi and Kahnawa:ke First Nations were evaluated with respect to actor networks, information management, human resources, and technical, financial, and institutional dimensions. This study recommends that future Quebec IWRM initiatives with First Nation collaboration need to be directed towards strengthening actor networks capacity and understanding the complexity of First Nation perspectives. In addition, study results indicate First Nations with limited financial capacity will experience reduced actor networks, information management, human resources, and technical capacity.