As part of the newly established SSHRC funded WEPGN: Water Economics Policy and Governance Network, the Program on Water Governance will be launching a new project (2013): Assessing Drinking Water Governance in British Columbia, with focus on Water Quality in First Nations. This project will be guided by an environmental justice framework, and involves a commitment by the researchers and PoWG to engage collaboratively with communities. First Nations have articulated their strong ties to water and recognize it as a vital and sacred resource for sustaining health and culture. Working towards these issues in the context of water justice begins first with acknowledgment of First Nations’ inherent right to govern their water resources in accordance with cultural preferences and traditional practices, and also that these issues cannot be abstracted from broader governance challenges important for these communities.  For more information, click HERE.