Guardians of Water: Indigenous Women as Knowledge Holders and Stewards

Across the world, Indigenous women have long acted as custodians, protectors, and knowledge holders of water systems. Their cultural, ecological, and spiritual knowledge contributes to sustainable water governance, ecosystem stewardship, community resilience, and climate adaptation. Yet Indigenous women's voices remain underrepresented in water policy, infrastructure planning, and scientific discourse.

This webinar will bring together Indigenous women leaders, practitioners, and community advocates to share experiences and lessons from diverse regions. Through case studies and dialogue, participants will explore how Indigenous knowledge systems contribute to water security, biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and equitable water governance. The webinar will highlight pathways for respectful partnership between Indigenous communities, utilities, governments, researchers, and international organisations while recognising the leadership role of Indigenous women in shaping sustainable water future.

• Water utilities and service providers
• Water governance professionals
• Researchers and academics
• Indigenous organisations and community leaders
• Policymakers and regulators
• Development practitioners
• Students and early-career professionals
• NGOs working in water, environment, and climate adaptation

Following this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the role of Indigenous women as water knowledge holders and decision-makers.
• Describe how Indigenous knowledge systems contribute to sustainable water management.
• Identify opportunities for incorporating Indigenous perspectives into water governance and policy.
• Understand examples of Indigenous women-led water stewardship and climate adaptation initiatives.
• Apply principles of respectful engagement and partnership with Indigenous communities.

• Indigenous women hold vital water knowledge that has sustained communities and ecosystems for generations.
• Water governance is strengthened when Indigenous women's leadership, rights, and knowledge are recognised and respected.
• Achieving equitable and sustainable water futures requires genuine partnerships between Indigenous communities, governments, utilities, researchers, and civil society.

• Balkisou Buba, Vice National Coordinator, REPALEAC Cameroon
• Vanessa Cook, Cultural heritage monitor River Murray Mallee Aboriginal Corporation, Australia
• Dr Annalisa Contos, Atom Consulting Organiser, Australia