Reclaiming Indigenous Water Governance: Decolonial and Community-Led Approaches at Star Blanket First Nation, Saskatchewan

This paper examines Indigenous community-led water governance at Star Blanket First Nation, emphasizing the critical role of traditional land-based knowledge, cultural teachings, and decolonial frameworks in advocating for Indigenous water governance and self-determination. Through collaborative research, Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and youth outline culturally embedded water protection practices that ceremonial responsibilities, land-based learning, and relational governance. Following decolonial and relational learning responsibility, this study explores systemic barriers, including challenging western water policies and industrial contamination. It highlighted the adaptions in Indigenous water protection methods and the transformative potential of integrating these practices within existing governance structures. This participatory study used collective sharing circles and storytelling methods with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, water protectors, and youth. Our study suggests that sustainable water governance must prioritize Indigenous self-determination, community-driven monitoring, and intergenerational knowledge transfer to address ongoing water insecurity. This research highlights the need for policy reforms that honor Indigenous treaties, traditional land-based practices, and environmental stewardship.