Assembly of First Nations National Chief Welcomes Federal Commitment to Drinking Water, Urges Full Engagement of First Nations

November 18, 2011
 
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today welcomed an announcement by the Government of Canada to address drinking water quality in northern Manitoba, and urged continued collaboration with First Nations on implementation.

“First Nation leaders across Canada have advocated strongly for attention by governments to work together with us to achieve clean, running water in our homes – a long-standing problem that has plagued too many of our families and communities for too long,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  “This announcement is a positive step in the right direction and I continue to urge the federal government to work with First Nations to improve water quality in our communities.”

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister John Duncan in the House of Commons yesterday announced $5.5 million to help improve infrastructure in Island Lake First Nation communities in Manitoba, with specific emphasis on improving water quality.  

“First Nations are keen to work together with all levels of government in ways that respect our rights and responsibilities and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, so we can better ensure the safety of our people,” said National Chief Atleo.  

Minister Duncan’s announcement followed all-party support for a motion introduced yesterday calling on the Government of Canada to address on an urgent basis the needs of First Nations communities whose members do not have access to clean, running water in their homes.  The motion referred to the lack of access as a disparity representing an “affront to our sense of justice and fairness as Canadians”.  

“Access to safe, potable water and sanitation is a basic human right, and I commend all parties for their acknowledgement that urgent attention is required to ensure First Nation citizens have access to clean, running water in their homes,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.

AFN representatives have expressed First Nations interests in regard to achieving clean drinking water in two separate presentations to the Senate Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs.  There are currently 126 First Nation communities with boil water advisories.  


The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

Contact information:
 
Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca