CUPE’s Water is life campaign

Water is life. But for far too long, Indigenous peoples have had to fight to protect this precious resource and vital service.

CUPE is committed to working towards truth and reconciliation. Our Water is life campaign recognizes the strength and dignity of Indigenous peoples who have been affected by water injustice, and who have fought for change.

The campaign raises awareness about the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples, and shows how CUPE members can listen, learn and act.

Today, many Indigenous peoples in Canada don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. This violates the internationally recognized human right to water.

Tackling boil water advisories in First Nation communities is just the start of what’s needed to end water injustice and discrimination. CUPE’s Water is life campaign looks at what it will take to ensure access to clean water for all Indigenous peoples.

Government inaction and corporate pollution threaten water sources on treaty lands and traditional unceded territories. CUPE’s Water is life campaign challenges environmental racism and supports Indigenous peoples as water stewards and protectors.

CUPE’s Water is life campaign is all about listening, learning and building solidarity. CUPE members are allies in this struggle. Visit cupe.ca/water-is-life to learn more and share with your local and in your community. Watch for more resources and updates soon.

Campaign artwork by Aaron Paquette. Paquette is an award-winning Nehiyaw (Cree), Cayuse and Métis artist, author, public speaker and politician based in Edmonton. Trained as a stained glass artist and a goldsmith, he has been painting for more than 25 years. Paquette is known for his bright colours, strong lines and for sharing new ways of looking at age-old experiences and beliefs. His works are on display in galleries across the country, as well as in Edmonton public spaces.