As many Northern and Indigenous communities across Canada continue to face drinking water advisories, Trent University researchers are taking an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the root causes of water insecurity. Drawing on artificial intelligence, Western and Indigenous sciences, diverse ways of knowing, and policy advocacy, their work is advancing clean water access and environmental justice across the country. 

Community-Driven Research Insights

Dr. Mary-Claire Buell collaborates with Indigenous communities to address contamination and protect Great Lakes water health, work that earned her the Large Lake Champion Award from the International Association for Great Lakes Research. She leads community-based research to identify contaminants in water, fish, plants, and animals across Indigenous territories. Her team works closely with Nations to test for pollutants such as mercury, pharmaceuticals, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), of which have been found to be at elevated levels many northern water bodies.. 

“The default response to contamination is simply to tell people to stop eating their traditional food,” says Professor Buell, an environmental scientist in Trent’s Environmental & Life Sciences program and in Forensic Science. “Though that creates fear, breaks cultural ties, and undermines health. Our work challenges that narrative by supporting communities with tools to assess risk and make informed choices without severing their connection to the land.” 

Prof. Buell’s team fosters trust and supports Indigenous-led data collection through youth engagement, on-the-land research, and in-lab learning experiences that informs policy, legal negotiations, and environmental restoration.  

Water as Teacher and Relative

Dr. Barbara Wall, associate professor in the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences program, adds that water needs to be understood through Indigenous environmental philosophy and science as well as Western science. A Potawatomi Anishinaabe scholar, Professor Wall’s research revitalizes Anishinaabe water knowledges and practices. Prof. Wall co-founded the Indigenous Great Lakes Network alongside Prof. Buell to support and build capacity for Indigenous-led research across the Great Lakes Basin. 

“Indigenous Peoples don’t see water as a commodity,” explains Prof. Wall. “We see her as a relative, as a sacred, life-giving being. When we’re unable to access water be it physically, culturally, or spiritually, it is a profound loss.” 

Prof. Wall emphasizes that restoring water and environmental health must include building capacity within Indigenous communities. “It’s all about relationship and consent; we need to support communities and our youth. Our youth are essential in restoring self-determination and governance and bringing Indigenous voices to the table. Research involving our communities must start with building relationships and focus on community needs as well as benefits.” 

Democratizing Data with Technology

Dr. Andrew Tanentzap, the Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems in Trent University’s School of the Environment, is working to bring low-cost, real-time water quality testing directly into the hands of local communities. With support from the Killam National Research Council Paul Corkum Fellowship, he is developing remote sensors that use machine learning algorithms and spectrophotometry to analyze water’s colour signatures, detect contaminants, and provide a drinking water safety rating. 

“Our goal is to democratize access to water quality information so communities can more confidently make decisions that protect them and their traditions,” says Professor Tanentzap. “Instead of waiting weeks for lab results, communities can use these sensors to get information about water quality instantly, empowering them to make informed choices about their health, food, and environment.” 

A Path Forward for Policy and Reconciliation

While research and tools are advancing, Dr. Jackson Pind, assistant professor in the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and expert in Indigenous policy, points to systemic obstacles still in the way.  

“Due to the election, two important bills, including the Clean Drinking Water Act and Bill C-38, which would help remedy some gender discrimination in the Indian Act, were both cancelled,” Professor Pind notes. “Restarting these bills and pushing them through for Indigenous people would signal their strong intention towards reconciliation.”  

More Than Water

Across disciplines, Trent’s researchers believe addressing water issues in Indigenous territories requires more than assisting in clean-up. It requires respect for Indigenous knowledge and long-term collaboration rooted in trust. 

“We’re taking baby steps now,” reflects Prof. Wall. “With the work we are doing at Trent, we can help take big strides where Indigenous communities have the tools, governance, and support they need to protect the water, the land, and future generations in their own ways.” 

Learn more about Indigenous research and reconciliation with the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and discover water research with the Trent School of the Environment.