Government and First Nations work to end drinking water advisory at Neskantaga First Nation.
OTTAWA, July 27, 2017 : Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water.
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, along with Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Chief Wayne Moonias, Neskantaga First Nation announced new investments that will lift the long-term drinking water advisory (DWA) in Neskantaga First Nation.
The Government of Canada will invest approximately $8.8 million to help upgrade the community’s water treatment system, including an addition to the existing water plant with new treatment technology and additional reservoir storage capacity to meet the community’s long-term needs, enabling more than 340 residents to access clean water for the first time in more than 22 years.
Quotes "Congratulations to Neskantaga First Nation and Matawa Tribal Council for your leadership on this project that will end the 22 year drinking water advisory in this First Nation community.
Investing in water systems like the one at Neskantaga First Nation represents one more step in renewing our relationship with First Nations and reaffirms our commitment to end all long-term drinking water advisories affecting on-reserve public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)."
The approval of this project is a strong signal of this government’s commitment to eliminating all First Nation drinking water advisories, and we hope that investment in vital community infrastructure continues across NAN territory."
Water is a basic human right, and it should not have taken this long to provide the people of Neskantaga with access to safe drinking water.
This has been a long and difficult process and has demonstrated the resolve of our members.
Chief Wayne Moonias Neskantaga First Nation Quick Facts •As part of its long-term strategy, the Government of Canada is working with First Nations on sustainable approaches to eliminate long-term drinking water advisories by March 2021, and to prevent new long-term advisories from happening.