Despite nearly a decade of targeted federal government efforts to provide potable water to First Nations communities in Canada, drinking water advisories and piped-water infrastructure gaps still persist. An indepth understanding of technical practitioners' perspectives and experiences with federal policies, programs, and processes (PPP) may provide unique insight into the challenges behind the issues. To meet this objective, we interviewed 16 First Nations technical staff within the geopolitical boundary of the province of Ontario. Results emphasize the role played by federal government-centric principles that shape policy, and the inflexible nature of the program execution format. This study provides a foundation for understanding the policy translation process and indicates action areas to create supportive policy for First Nations drinking water service provision.

This article examines the definition of success in First Nations drinking water service as voiced by the First Nations technical community of practice. The research explores success stories to identify success themes and factors to formulate a workable definition for policy-makers. Researchers interviewed sixteen technical practitioners in Ontario using a semi-structured approach. Data analysis revealed a definition of success that extends beyond the technical boundary to include professional growth, employment, local action and a facilitating policy environment. This comprehensive definition provides a basis for policy and program considerations to increase First Nations buy-in and foster a constructive environment for drinking water improvements.Sommaire : Le pr esent article examine la d efinition de succès dans la prestation de services d'eau potable aux Premières Nations telle qu'elle est exprim ee par le milieu technique des Premières Nations. L' etude examine les exemples de r eussite afin de cerner les thèmes et les facteurs de succès pour formuler une d efinition exploitable pour les elaborateurs de politiques. Les chercheurs ont interview e seize sp ecialistes techniques en Ontario par le biais d'une approche semi-structur ee. L'analyse des donn ees a r ev el e une d efinition du succès qui va au-del a de la frontière technique pour inclure la croissance professionnelle, l'emploi, l'action locale et un environnement politique propice. Cette d efinition compr ehensive fournit une base pour recommander des consid erations de principes et de politiques afin d'accroître le soutien des Premières Nations et d'encourager un environnement constructif pour apporter des am eliorations en matière d'eau potable.Drinking water challenges in First Nations communities have persisted in Canada's political and media spotlight for well over a decade. Infrastructure gaps, homes without piped water supply and chronic drinking water advisories-leading to a declared drinking water emergency and community evacuation-are but some of the issues affecting these communities. Despite years of targeted federal initiatives, these challenges of access, quality assurance and risk perception remain.