COVER FEATURE: Bita Malekian of Water Movement
“I’m not just inspired [to take action], I’m outraged."
Written by Dawn McDevitt
Canada has 20% of the world's water and less than 1% of the world's people.
Most of us turn on the tap and out comes clean water. With such abundance, why are we failing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6: ‘Clean Water and Sanitation for All’? In many Indigenous communities, water must be boiled to be safe. In some, even boiled water is unsafe to drink.
Bita Malekian, a Calgary-based engineer, has been making waves. “I’m not just inspired [to take action], I’m outraged and I won’t stop until every Indigenous community in Canada has their dignity restored, because no one should be without a vital essence of life,” asserts Malekian.
As a member of Calgary’s professional chapter of Engineers Without Borders, Malekian learned from Indigenous water facility operators about their lack of opportunities to connect and collaborate with each other. She recognized that an online platform could help bridge the gap. Since then she has been actively supporting Indigenous leadership and solutions to Canada's water crisis.
After listening and learning for three years, Malekian launched Water Movement in January 2021. It grew quickly to over 2,100 active users posting issues and sharing advice. Collaboration continues to shape Water Movement, keeping the focus on the people it serves. “First and foremost, we are guided by an all Indigenous board of directors...and we are continuously adapting to the needs of the operators,” says Malekian.
Malekian, who made the 2021 list of the Top 30 Under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, redirects attention away from herself. She credits the work of the board and volunteers – called Ambassadors – for making Water Movement a true movement. What began as an online platform became a way for water operators in different communities to form a body of knowledge and influence. By May 2021, Malekian and Water Movement gained enough momentum to secure a meeting with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Minister Marc Miller. Malekian and Water Movement Directors Warren Brown of Lytton First Nation, and Deon Hassler of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, presented specific calls to action.
Malekian looks at her choice to enter the field of engineering as a way to make a meaningful impact locally and globally. To solve society’s most complex issues will take everyone working together and “engineers play a critical role,” notes Malekian. Her volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders showed her what strong leadership looks like and enabled her to develop skills and knowledge “not just as an engineer, but as a global citizen.”
On the way to launching Water Movement, Malekian acknowledges having to step back and change her approach to problem-solving. In order to build trust and be an effective advocate, she realized she needed to first invest in building relationships. Connecting and understanding others on a human level was a must and it couldn’t be rushed. It also meant shifting typical industry practice of linear timelines and firm deadlines to a cyclical model of engaging operators and other stakeholders as a continuous process and inviting feedback at each step.
When asked what advice Malekian would give her younger self, she says “we learn about residential schools—political leaders apologize regularly— and it seems like it’s all a thing of the past…it’s not. But I’d also paint a picture of hope and progress…and about the silent heroes I’d meet, the Indigenous water treatment operators who will inspire me and show me the true power of community.”
“I do (this work) so my family and friends can have water”
Reflecting on Canada’s water crisis, Malekian sees attention focused on scholars and professionals tackling the issue, yet largely unseen are the people actually solving it – Indigenous water treatment operators. “They work silently and diligently, because if they stop to fight for the spotlight, their community might go under a water advisory,” notes Malekian. “When Warren Brown of Lytton First Nation was questioned about why he doesn’t leave his job for a much higher-paying position with a municipality, he simply replied, ‘I do it so my family and my friends can have water.’”
As Water Movement evolves, it keeps user needs at the forefront. A mobile app is in the works so that water operators can use the platform via smartphone or tablet including offline features “so operators in remote, low-bandwidth communities can still access it,” explains Malekian. Water Movement is also expanding learning resources on the platform’s Video Learning Library. Expert operators have been contributing to 100 new videos launching in early 2022.
A documentary film is in progress, to boost awareness of Canada’s water crisis, highlight the important work that everyday people are doing, and show that each of us has a part to play in tackling the problem. It’s being filmed by volunteer videographer Matt Miller and features current water leaders Warren Brown, Dr. Madjid Mohseni, Candace Cook, Dr. Michael Hart, and Disa Crow Chief.
“This is only the beginning…”
Other efforts to boost awareness include Water Movement’s participation in the 2021 “World’s Challenge Challenge” global finals, winning 3rd place among innovators from universities around the world. Malekian was also recognized with a 2021 sustainability award from the University of Calgary and a 2021 Women of Worth award from L'Oréal Paris. Support from celebrities hasn’t hurt either. Those shining some of their spotlight on Water Movement include Inuk throat singer Shina Novalinga, and Academy award winner Dame Helen Mirren.
“Water Movement is made possible through the joint efforts of volunteer Indigenous water treatment operators, videographers, editors, website developers, app developers, engineers, and students,” Malekian explains. “The tireless work of everyone involved has led to every success the organization has achieved...and this is only the beginning.”
Water Movement partner Aditya Chaudhuri is among the highly committed contributors. “I’m incredibly honoured...because we’re finally spotlighting, empowering, and supporting those who are solving the issue, instead of the leaders spewing out empty promises,” asserts Chaudhuri. “This long-standing water crisis must be addressed on the path to reconciliation,” adds Malekian’s sister and Water Movement ambassador Anita Malekian.
Undercurrents in Canada’s Water Crisis
On First Nations reserves, chiefs, and councils are accountable to members for services, including water, but the Indian Act limits their power to govern. The federal government still has jurisdiction over many aspects of life on reserves via colonial-era laws.
Regulations on safe drinking water don't extend to First Nations reserves. As a result, water management systems have been constructed without the standards and protections afforded all other Canadians.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) reports progress in ending over 100 long-term drinking water advisories. However, concerns about the government’s approach include chronic underestimating of costs, focusing on interim fixes rather than resolving root causes, and requiring use of contractors based on the lowest bid while failing to address complaints about project work quality and cost overruns.
“Indigenous Services Canada did not provide the support necessary to ensure that First Nations communities have ongoing access to safe drinking water.”
• Funding model from 1987
• Inadequate support for operations and maintenance
• No safe water regulations 15 years after recommendation”
Falling Short
In spring 2021, ISC committed to additional funding and to address the findings of the Auditor General’s report. Then in July, the federal government agreed to settle the national class action lawsuits on behalf of Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Manitoba), and Curve Lake and Neskantaga First Nation (Ontario). The suits alleged that Canada violated its obligation by failing to ensure clean water on reserves. The agreement includes $6 billion in previously announced funding, an additional $1.5 billion in compensation to those who have suffered lack of access to clean water, and a resolution method if the government fails to follow through.
Spending more money, though necessary, won't be enough to solve this multidimensional issue. Water treatment infrastructure and operations is an important component, as is protecting water at the source.
From a legal perspective it's worth noting that Canada has ratified several human rights treaties that include obligations around water and sanitation. Although Canada voted against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which was adopted in 2007, it removed it’s objector status in 2016. UNDRIP recognizes Indigenous peoples’ right to determine and develop priorities for how their lands are used and to maintain and strengthen their spiritual relationship with traditionally owned or occupied lands, territories, waters, coastal seas, and other resources (United Nations). In June 2021 Bill C-15 became law. It requires that the government “take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with [UNDRIP], and must prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration.”
Indigenous-led initiatives to ensure safe water range from guardian programs to protect water at its source and community water-monitoring programs, to working collaboratively across regions, countries, and continents with indigenous communities experiencing similar issues. Indigenous-led organizations raising awareness and mobilizing support include well-known examples like Idle No More, lesser-known examples like the Nipiy committee, and emerging players like Indigenous Climate Action — founded by Alberta Indigenous women who saw a need to bring Indigenous Peoples together to begin discussions on climate change and Indigenous rights.
Recent developments reveal how innovative approaches can often bring meaningful changes. In February 2021, official personhood was legally granted to a river in Quebec —the Muteshekau Shipu (Magpie River). Protections include the right to be safe from pollution, maintain its integrity, and maintain its natural biodiversity. Its guardians are members of the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit. When it comes to water management, Canada’s first Indigenous-led water authority, Atlantic First Nations Water Authority is a potential model for others. It will serve as the utility provider for at least 13 of 33 First Nations in the region starting in 2022. The focus is sustainable services, and to achieve more funding collectively than member communities would on their own. Canada’s legal and economic structure treats natural entities like water, land, and forests as commodities to use for human benefit, with minimal caretaking to ensure their long-term health. As part of the journey toward reconciliation, water management in Canada must prioritize relationships with Indigenous peoples and consider Indigenous Knowledge as well as Western science. Indigenous women have long played an important role as water keepers and should have a place at the decision making table. Imagine if we applied to water, and water management, the holistic seven generations philosophy - that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.
