Day of Action highlights quality of water in First Nations communities.

The first annual National Aboriginal Water Day of Action on April 13 was meant to raise awareness across Canada about the healing and protection of the waters, and "to preserve this precious natural resource", according to the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC).

In efforts to mark the day, communities joined together to host local events such as traditional water ceremonies, and engage in vigils, feast, prayers and walks.

Significant progress has been made in recent years to ensure First Nations have access to the same quality of safe and reliable water as all Canadians, said a news release from The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians.

"We've made substantial improvements since 2006,... the number of First Nation communities with high risk water systems has been reduced by two-thirds," he announced in April.

"I'm also proud to report that out of the 21 priority communities identified in 2006 as having high-risk systems and as drinking water advisories, only four remain today and that action plans are in place for each of these."

Strahl said through Canada's Economic Action Plan, $515 million was committed to accelerate infrastructure projects in First Nation communities, including $165 million for 18 water and wastewater initiatives across the country.

These investments are included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal peoples under the Economic Action Plan.

In 2008-09, the government invested approximately $368 million to address water issues in First Nation communities, including upgrading water and wastewater facilities on reserve, maintenance and operation of the facilities, training, and moving forward with other initiatives under the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan.

Engagement sessions on the development of a legislative framework for water have been completed and the national assessment of water and wastewater facilities that provide services to First Nations is anticipated to commence this spring.

Although real progress is being made, it is clear that more needs to be done. The future success in addressing on-reserve water needs depends on continued collaboration between Government, First Nations and other partners, states the government release.