LANDSDOWNE HOUSE, TREATY 9 TERRITORY – A little over a month ago, Neskantage First Nation marked its 10,000 consecutive days under a boil water advisory. The boil water advisory began on Feb. 1, 1995. That’s 27 years of anxiety, frustration, hardship in the first nation community and the sight of a major challenge for the federal government to resolve.
Since then, the federal government has invested 16.7 billion into the improvement of the water treatment plant and compensation for the individuals affected by the lack of clean drinking water.
Yet, due to infrastructure failures, the water treatment plant continues to break down making it difficult and costly to keep up with the constant maintenance.
Earlier in July, Neskantaga and Canada finalized the terms of reference for an assessment of Neskantaga's water system infrastructure as well as an investigative report into how and why the water treatment plant upgrade project ran way over budget.
"Neskantaga First Nation appreciates the opportunity that Minister Patty Hajdu took to speak directly with our members of our nation who endure not only many states of emergency, but a continuing water crisis affecting their human rights,” said Wayne Moonias, Chief of Neskantaga First Nation. “We are certain that her visit today will deeply inform the choices Canada makes regarding our community as we move forward together on a path towards healing and wellness after the traumas brought on to us by 10,000 days and counting of living without clean, safe drinking water."
During Hajdu’s visit, she toured the community, the water treatment plant, and the Elders complex. The aim was to provide Hajdu with a first-hand account of the plight of having no access to clean drinking water and create a deeper appreciation for life in Neskantaga.
Community members and Hajdu discussed how the Government of Canada can further support Neskantaga and renew their commitment to working together to support measures that will end the long-term advisory, build community confidence in the safety of the water supply, and heal from the impacts of a generation without clean, safe drinking water.
“A big thank you to Neskantaga First Nation for welcoming me into their community to meet with youth, Elders, and Chief Moonias and Council,” said Hajdu. “We will continue to work in together to ensure your community can more quickly access to clean, safe drinking water. We have hard work ahead to be sure, but I know together we can create a better future for everyone."
