NWT Water Strategy
As the Water Strategy states “Water is a critical component of cultural, spiritual, economic and social well-being for residents of the NWT, particularly Aboriginal peoples. Water stewardship is a responsibility shared by many parties. Aboriginal, territorial and federal governments, regional organizations, communities, environmental non-governmental organizations, co-management boards and agencies, industry and residents all play an important role in ensuring water resources in the NWT remain healthy today and into the future.”
The commitment from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) to develop a made-in-the-North water strategy to guide the use and management of NWT water resources stemmed from:
- Aboriginal peoples and northern residents’ concerns for water resource management;
- Increasing water-related pressures from industrial development and transboundary influences;
- Climate change; and,
- A changing global economy.
Multiple gatherings, discussions, and workshops were held with water partners to help determine the key elements that should be included in the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy and how related actions (keys to success) can be effectively implemented across the NWT.
Northern Voices, Northern Waters – The NWT Water Stewardship Strategy