THUNDER BAY – The Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief are frustrated that 14 of the 40 Anishinabek First Nations are under Boil Water Advisories. “We cannot be complacent with the status quo when it comes to water quality,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “The Trudeau government was to make good on its promise to ensure safe drinking water to all First Nation within five years. We expect no less and we have a two-year plan to address Boil Water Advisories.”
Grand Chief Madahbee refers to the Anishinabek Nation Water Assessment and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to respond to the comprehensive plan that will ensure our 60,000 citizens have safe drinking water, address and prevent future Boil Water Advisories and partner with Government.
A mandate letter sent to federal Minister Bennett, calls for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to work in collaboration and consultation with the First Nations to improve essential physical infrastructure.
“The Liberal government has committed to many actions and voiced its support for First Nations in Canada, including the implementation of the 94 call to action the full endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Clearly progress is being made,” says Madahbee.
Many First Nations in Canada have a very unique position as Treaty partners on a nation-to-nation basis with the Crown.
At last week’s Grand Council Assembly in Aundeck Omni Kaning, Chiefs were concerned that INAC has been more reactionary to crisis than being proactive.
“We entrust that INAC officials will begin to work closely with our working group and begin implementation of our plan,” concludes Grand Chief Madahbee. “All of our First Nations are vulnerable to problems with safe water. Our plan will fix this.”
