Water-related knowledge, attitudes and practices in Akaitcho Territory

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Data will consist of perceptions of "good" and "bad" water and how each impacts upon individual and community health. They will be collected through surveys and Elder interviews.

The purpose of this collaborative research project is to develop Traditional Knowledge (TK) indicators of "good" and "bad" water in order to explore the similarities and differences between the western science concept of "safe to drink" and the TK concept of "good to drink".

While Indigenous communities recognise western science (WS) standards for drinking water quality, potability as a concept is not sufficient to address the Indigenous concepts of "good" or "bad" in relation to water. The purpose of this collaborative research project is to develop Traditional Knowledge (TK) indicators of "good" and "bad" water in order to explore the similarities and differences between the WS concept of "safe to drink" and the TK concept of "good to drink". This will be achieved through an exploration of water-related health, how human health (encompassing physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health) is affected by "good" and "bad" water, development of appropriate TK indicators, and community case studies. Through this process and its outcomes, communities will be able to better understand and assess water-related health in Indigenous communities through a TK system and be able to share this with government agencies currently responsible for water management, remediation, and quality monitoring.

Fort Resolution / Deninu Kue First Nation ( http://www4.rncan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique/08347e35c6ce11d892e2080020a0f4c9 ) Łutselk'e ( http://www4.rncan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique/dc0f377bd05211d892e2080020a0f4c9 ) Dettah ( http://www4.rncan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique/0c745bcc849c20c3a19895b92692b38b ) Ndilǫ ( http://www4.rncan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique/0cc550bc849c20c32db82d2f509627bb )