Dartmouth, unceded traditional Mi'kmaq Territory, Nova Scotia - Indigenous Services Canada and the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority
It's now official after an agreement was formally signed in Halifax on November 7: the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) becomes the first Indigenous Water Utility in the country. The is a significant milestone as it puts control of water and wastewater management firmly in the hands of First Nations.
The transfer agreement was signed Monday by Potlotek First Nation Chief Wilbert Marshall of the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, Carl Yates, CEO of AFNWA, and Patty Hajdu, the federal Minister of Indigenous Services. It initiates the transfer of responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades of all water and wastewater assets in participating First Nations to the Indigenous-led AFNWA.
The transfer agreement enables First Nations to now officially join the water authority after receiving approval from their community members. Once complete, the AFNWA will assume responsibility for water and wastewater services for as many as 4,500 households and businesses located in up to 17 participating First Nations. This represents approximately 60% of the on-reserve population of First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada.
AFNWA will support all water and wastewater operators to become certified to operate their respective facilities and maintain their certification through continuing education. The Authority will work with staff to identify their career development goals and support them with education and on the job training, wherever possible. AFNWA will also work to develop capacity within communities by hiring trainees and supporting their career development.
The service delivery transfer agreement sets out both ISC's and the AFNWA's mutual obligations, accountability, and understanding for implementation. Through Indigenous Services Canada, the federal government has committed approximately $257 million in funding for this work, including $173 million over 10 years from Budget 2022 that will provide sustainable funding for operations and capital programs.
