Ottawa resumes funding for bottled water in First Nation under state of emergency

The federal government has announced that it will resume funding for bottled water in Marten Falls First Nation, a community in northwestern Ontario that has been under a boil-water advisory for 19 years. The community recently declared a state of emergency after a sewage spill on December 13th.

Chief Bruce Achneepineskum stated that the community’s wastewater lift system is broken, causing raw sewage to flow into a creek that empties into the Albany River. This has made the water unfit for consumption or cooking, leading to concerns about skin rashes among community members.

Marten Falls First Nation, home to fewer than 400 people, previously declared a state of emergency in September 2021 due to a failed water treatment plant. Despite efforts to address the water crisis, including the commissioning of a new water treatment system in June 2019, challenges persist.

In response to the current emergency, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is providing funding for bottled water while discussing long-term solutions such as installing a new pump and preventing future sewage spills. However, Chief Achneepineskum expressed frustration over ISC’s decision to cut funding for bottled water in 2022, prompting the community to cover the costs themselves.

ISC spokesperson Jacinthe Goulet emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Marten Falls First Nation in both the short and long term. Efforts are underway to repair the wastewater treatment facility and ensure access to clean drinking water.

The community has outlined three key requests for authorities: immediate implementation of wastewater report recommendations, restoration of bottled water funding, and sustainable long-term solutions for clean water access. Chief Achneepineskum is in the process of arranging a meeting with the federal government to address these concerns.

Overall, the situation in Marten Falls highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing safe and clean water. The government’s acknowledgment of the need for transformational change through initiatives such as the First Nations Clean Water Act is a step in the right direction towards ensuring water security for future generations.