Gaining Insights About Water: The Value of Surveys in First Nations Communities to Inform Water Governance

Knowledge of how water is perceived, used and managed in a community is critical to the endeavour of water governance. Surveys of individuals residing in a community offer a valuable avenue to gain information about several of these aspects of water. This paper draws upon experiences in three First Nation communities to explore the values of surveys to illuminate water issues and inform water decision-making. Findings from experiences with surveys in Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the New Credit, and Oneida First Nation of the Thames reveal rich information about how surveys can provide insights about: the connection of individuals to the land, water and their community; reasons for valuing water; perceptions of water quality and issues surrounding water-related advisories; and, degree of satisfaction with water management and governance at different scales. Community partners reflected upon the findings of the survey for their community. Dialogue was then broadened across the cases as the partners offer benefits and challenges associated with the survey. Community surveys offer an important tool in the resource managers’ toolbox to understand social perceptions of water and provide valuable insights that may assist in improving its governance.

Niagara Ship Canal : letter from the Secretary of War, transmitting report by Colonel Blunt, on the surveys for a ship canal to connect Lakes Erie and Ontario (1868)

March 3, 1868. -- Referred to the Select Committee on the Niagara Ship Canal.

Photograph - Group Return from Hunting

A photograph of a male holding a rifle by his side, with four females (varying ages) and another male is standing in the background. They are holding a long stick which is carrying their game.

Photograph - Percy Band Hunting with others

A photograph of Percy Band with a group of men with a pack of hunting dogs.

Photograph - Percy Band Hunting with others #2

Another photograph of the Percy Band with a group of hunters.

Photograph - Hunting Group with Percy Band

A group of men with rifles and hunting dogs. The photograph is dark and cloudy making it difficult to see details. Percy Band is sitting in front.

Samuel DeVeaux Woodruff's Pewter Hunting Flask

This is a 16 cm x 8 cm 19th century pewter flask which has 3 pieces including the flask, the screw-on cap and a cover/drinking cup. There is a W inscribed within the cap. This is well-worn and dented.

Voucher #5 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to George Forbes for surveys, Jan. 31, 1857

Voucher #5 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to George Forbes for surveys, Jan. 31, 1857.

Voucher #6 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to Thomas Woods for surveys, Jan. 31, 1857

Voucher #6 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to Thomas Woods for surveys, Jan. 31, 1857.

Voucher #7 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to W.G. Thompson accompanied by an abstract of vouchers and summaries of account paid by W.G. Thompson for surveys, Jan. 31, 1857

Voucher #7 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to W.G. Thompson accompanied by an abstract of vouchers and summaries of account paid by W.G. Thompson for surveys, Jan. 31, 1857.

Pay roll voucher #8 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension for surveys in the month of February, Feb. 28, 1857

Pay roll voucher #8 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension for surveys in the month of February, Feb. 28, 1857.

Voucher #9 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to W. G. Thompson accompanied by an abstract of vouchers for surveys, Feb. 28, 1857

Voucher #9 from the Engineer Department of Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway Extension to W. G. Thompson accompanied by an abstract of vouchers for surveys, Feb. 28, 1857