Water security or securing relations? An exploratory study from British Columbia

Abstract

Water security is typically defined in terms of water available at a quality and quantity to meet human needs. This definition now includes ecological needs. We argue these definitions ignore conceptions of Indigenous relations to water, all living things, and between people. We examine this gap in a contested water governance space in British Columbia, Canada, characterized by competing legal claims and distinct relations to water between First Nations (Indigenous Peoples) and the Crown (Province). We surveyed water officials from both groups, and documented that First Nations and women respondents are more likely to perceive water insecurity, as do those who lack trust. We argue that strengthening and securing relations through learning is critical to reconciling water security governance.