Mistawasis Water Management

August 2014

It seems in Saskatchewan, that we either have too much water or never enough.  Extremes at either end of the spectrum can be debilitating for many.  Mistiwasis First Nation is one of the many communities faced with the challenge of water management issues.  Flooding has affected homes, roads, and impacted their recreational lakes.

On August 8, 2014, Mistiwasis hosted a round table discussion to address drainage options and their impacts.  Chief Daryl Watson expressed the need to manage high water levels but recognized the potential impacts downstream to their neighbors the RM of Canwood.  Chief Watson was sensitive to the issue that any decision made needs to be done in a holistic manner.  Representatives from Transport Canada, Water Security Agency, Aboriginal Affairs, and Northern Development Canada, North Saskatchewan River Basin Council, the RM of Canwood, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and Fisheries Oceans Canada were all present.