First Nation capacity in Québec to practise integrated water resources management

ISSN： 1465-6620

Source： International Journal of Water, Vol.7, Iss.3, 2013-06, pp. : 161-190

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Abstract

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has been identified by the United Nations as a critical component of effective and sustainable water resources management in the future. This research examined the extent to which IWRM is practised among First Nations (FN) in Canada. This study also developed and applied an analytical framework to assess the overall capacity of two FN communities in Québec to practise IWRM. The FN communities of Kitigan Zibi and Kahnawà:ke were evaluated with respect to capacity to support actor network, information management, human resources and technical, financial and institutional dimensions. This study recommends that future Québec IWRM initiatives with FN collaboration be directed towards strengthening actor network capacities and understanding the complexity of FN perspectives. In addition, the results of this study indicate that FNs with limited financial capacity will experience reduced actor network, information management, human resources and technical capacity.