The responsibility for the management of drinking water in First Nations communities is shared between those First Nations and the Federal government.  Indian and Northern Affairs Canada provide funding to help supply water services and contribute to the cost of operation and maintenance. 

First Nations are responsible for planning, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining their communities’ infrastructure facilities and services, such as water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection facilities.  They must ensure that it is properly operated and maintained; that it is tested on a regular basis and that appropriate training and education are provided to system operators. There are eight First Nations communities within the Thames-Sydenham & Region Source Protection Region.

Aside from Caldwell First Nation members and Aamjiwnaang First Nation purchasing municipal water, the remaining six First Nations manage their own drinking water supplies.  Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation have their drinking water source from Lake Huron. Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island First Nation) has their supply from the St. Clair River. Chippewas of the Thames, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Delaware Nation rely on groundwater as their communal drinking water.  Munsee-Delaware First Nation purchases some service from Chippewas of the Thames Water Treatment Plant but most rely on private wells.

The Provincial regulation has provided for up to three First Nations seats on the Thames- Sydenham and Region Source Protection Committee. Discussions with the Chiefs individually and at the London District Chief’s Council have indicated an interest in source protection activities. It will be important to continue these discussions to determine the role and mechanisms for involving First Nations in the development of the Source Protection Plan. It is hoped that they will participate in the committee; however, other mechanisms for involvement in the development of the plan have been explored with them. Through the municipal forums, the municipalities of the region have indicated that the participation of the First Nations is important in the development of the source protection plan. 

Several special events have been held to work toward building a relationship with First Nations in the region including tours of their water treatment facilities, participation with the Elders and Youth Gathering, Community Forums and Children’s Water Festivals. Displays and fact sheets are being produced highlighting drinking water sources for each First Nation.

First Nation	Fact Sheet
Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island First Nation)	coming soon
Caldwell First Nation
Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Oneida Nation of the Thames	coming soon
Delaware Nation of the Thames
Munsee Delaware Nation