Indigenous Water Initiative

The Altalma Foundation is committed to advancing sustainable access to safe drinking water for Indigenous communities across Canada. Through collaborative partnerships with First Nations, academic institutions, technical experts, and community organizations, we work alongside Indigenous leaders to identify practical, community-driven solutions that improve water quality, strengthen local capacity, and promote long-term health and resilience.
Our work is founded on partnership, respect, and evidence-based decision-making, recognizing that every community’s needs and priorities are unique.
Key areas of focus include:
• Water Quality Assessment – In partnership with the University of Calgary and Chiniki First Nation, Altalma led a pilot project to assess the quality of drinking water from private wells, cisterns, and other household water sources. The initiative established a critical baseline to better understand water quality challenges and identify priorities for future action.
• Community Collaboration – We work directly with Indigenous leadership, local housing departments, Elders, and community members to ensure projects are community-led, culturally respectful, and responsive to local priorities. An Indigenous Community Liaison played a key role in facilitating engagement between residents, researchers, and project partners.
• Research & Innovation – By combining scientific research with local knowledge, our partnerships help identify both immediate and long-term solutions to improve drinking water safety, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance for households relying on private water systems.
• Sustainable Impact – Beyond water testing, the initiative lays the foundation for future infrastructure investments, education, technical support, and funding opportunities that can deliver lasting improvements to water security in Indigenous communities.
The Chiniki First Nation Water Pilot Project represents Altalma Foundation’s commitment to working alongside Indigenous communities, not to lead the conversation, but to listen, collaborate, and help connect communities with the expertise, resources, and partnerships needed to create sustainable access to clean, reliable drinking water for generations to come.