F M Mitchell1. 1. School of Social Work, Arizona State University 411 N. Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ 85004-0689, USA. Electronic address: Felicia.Mitchell@asu.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research were to examine the relationship between water insecurity and Indigenous health and highlight the social and environmental justice implications water insecurity has for practice, policy, and research with Indigenous communities. STUDY DESIGN: A literature search design was used. METHODS: A review of the concepts of water insecurity within an Indigenous context is described through three illustrative case studies. RESULTS: For Indigenous people, water takes on a much greater significance as it is connected to the culture, identity, and livelihoods of Indigenous communities. Although a vast range of determinants influence Indigenous health, water continues to be an integral component of Indigenous health globally. CONCLUSIONS: Water is a finite resource, and it is anticipated that water insecurity will grow as water resources are stressed and become scarcer globally. Having safe sustainable water resources by itself will not necessarily result in significant health improvements as there are many other factors involved. However, safe, sustainable water resources are a necessity for health, and health equity is a prerequisite for social and environmental justice for Indigenous people.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research were to examine the relationship between water insecurity and Indigenous health and highlight the social and environmental justice implications water insecurity has for practice, policy, and research with Indigenous communities. STUDY DESIGN: A literature search design was used. METHODS: A review of the concepts of water insecurity within an Indigenous context is described through three illustrative case studies. RESULTS: For Indigenous people, water takes on a much greater significance as it is connected to the culture, identity, and livelihoods of Indigenous communities. Although a vast range of determinants influence Indigenous health, water continues to be an integral component of Indigenous health globally. CONCLUSIONS:Water is a finite resource, and it is anticipated that water insecurity will grow as water resources are stressed and become scarcer globally. Having safe sustainable water resources by itself will not necessarily result in significant health improvements as there are many other factors involved. However, safe, sustainable water resources are a necessity for health, and health equity is a prerequisite for social and environmental justice for Indigenous people.
Authors: Sarah Stotz; Luciana E Hebert; Angela G Brega; Steven Lockhart; J Neil Henderson; Yvette Roubideaux; Kristen DeSanto; Kelly R Moore Journal: J Health Care Poor Underserved Date: 2021-05
Authors: Christine Martin; Vanessa W Simonds; Sara L Young; John Doyle; Myra Lefthand; Margaret J Eggers Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-12 Impact factor: 3.390