Marine Safety, Oceans Protection, and Gender

Turtle Island and Inuit Nunangat are surrounded by three beautiful oceans and numerous major waterways that support the physical, cultural, social, and spiritual well-being of Indigenous communities. Harvesting, ceremony, recreation, and our non-human relations all rely on clean and safe waters. Water is life and a beloved relative.

Turtle Island and Inuit Nunangat are surrounded by three beautiful oceans and numerous major waterways that support the physical, cultural, social, and spiritual well-being of Indigenous communities. Harvesting, ceremony, recreation, and our non-human relations all rely on clean and safe waters. Water is life and a beloved relative.

Marine waters also provide critical transportation routes. They connect communities and bring critical supplies to remote communities. They are also our front door to other countries. Billions of dollars of goods and natural resources pass through our coastal ports and pipelines serving all of Canada. All this marine traffic raises serious risks to the environment and human health. Marine coasts require thoughtful protections to keep all our relations safe, and to ensure emergency response services are available when things go wrong.

In our new report, NWAC explores Indigenous women-identified people’s unique perspectives on marine safety. We hosted three regional engagement sessions—one for each coast. Indigenous women participants told us that men, especially harvesters (hunters, fishers, trappers), are usually the ones reviewing marine safety issues. First Nations women lamented the loss of their matrilineal structures, especially those communities where women are traditionally water protectors. All participants identified the lack of strong science education as a barrier to getting involved through fields like marine biology.

We value all the work men do for their communities, but women-identified people have plenty to offer, too. They can spot different environmental impacts because they often harvest different species than men (berries, sea plants, clams, etc.) and process the catch. They experience unique sexual risks around busy ports. They are often left feeling helpless as they await news of a loved one lost at sea, and unsupported when they get the worst news. The few women working in these areas do amazing work, but often feel they must always prove themselves. They want to support each other and encourage additional women to join them in marine safety employment.

Our report includes recommendations for marine safety. For example, industry should protect women from racism, sexism, and sexual violence by implementing changes to how boats are allowed to dock. Search-and-rescue operations should include support services for family members. The best way to make sure women-identified people’s unique perspectives are heard is to bring them directly into the discussion and make sure the next generation of young girls can see that they have a role in protecting your waters.

Check out our report Indigenous Women’s Voices on Marine Safety and Oceans Protection .