Drinking water advisory on Star Blanket Cree Nation lifted after 17 years

For the first time in 17 years there is no longer a drinking water advisory on Star Blanket Cree Nation. 

The community of approximately 300 people is located 100 km northeast of Regina but has been without safe drinking water since 2007. 

This morning at a ceremony on Star Blanket, Chief Michael Starr was joined by Indigenous Services Canada Minister Patty Hajdu, where they announced the advisory had been officially lifted. 

“Seventeen years is a really long time to live in fear of water and fear of illness and having to live in a way that most Canadians don’t have to live,” Hajdu said. 

“So first, I just want to say I’m sorry that this has happened to you as part of the overwhelming aspect of colonialism.” 

A new $10.5 million water treatment station opened on the nation earlier this month — providing drinkable and potable water to 112 homes on Star Blanket and neighbouring reserves. 

Chief Starr described how for years community members would often see water with different colour depending on where they were located on the reserve.  

He said lifting the drinking water advisory has been “a long time coming” but that many people people will need time to adjust to being able to freely use the water from their tap. 

“They feel a little bit unsure in their minds that they can utilize the water but over time that will come. They’ll feel more comfortable as time goes along,” Starr said. 

Hajdu said seeing the infrastructure in-person and being shown the completed water facility was important for reconciliation. 

She admits more needs to be done for First Nations communities across the country. 

Hajdu pointed to the 31 First Nations across Canada that continue to have long-term drinking water advisories, five of which are in Saskatchewan.  

“It takes commitment and it takes attention. If we don’t talk about the importance of equity for First Nations people, it will not happen,” Hajdu said.