First Nation Communities

without drinking water

By Lucas Hodder
 Why is not having access to clean drinking
water a problem?
Not having access to drinking water is a problem to remote First Nations
communities due to marginalization, contamination, remoteness, and lack
of maintenance. Governments only give limited funding to fight water
contamination. Some water reserves in communities are remote from a
water source or city, resulting in more costly maintenance. Rural
communities also have to travel great lengths just to receive contaminated
water due to the lack of safe water nearby, especially since many
communities lack certain types of equipment or transportation needed to
ensure the safety of water systems. contaminants found in the drinking
water in these communities are often linked with cancer, gastrointestinal
disorders, skin infections, and other health conditions.
 How does it impact the North
Spirit Lake First Nation?
The North Spirit Lake First Nation, and many other Indigenous
communities in Canada have been impacted by the lack of clean
drinking water. Due to unsafe water filtering, the community has been
boiling water for the past years, which has become an inconvenience
for residents. The community relies on shipments of expensive bottled
water, which puts a huge cost on the community for water supply. The
lack of access to clean drinking water has serious health impacts on the
community which now they’ve declared a state of emergency.
 What are the solutions to this problem?

The solution to resolve not having clean water in First Nations

communities are improving infrastructure on reserves and to keep water
systems running and properly staffed . Justin Trudeau plans to spend $4.6
billion on infrastructure in indigenous communities to help fix the issue.
By upgrading outdated systems and using modern technologies can help
ensure the delivery of safe and clean drinking water. Providing training
and support to community members can help the effective operation and
maintenance of water systems.
Map of ontario where these communities are
located
 References
https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/lack-of-clean-drinking-water-in-indigenous-communities#:~:text=Specific
ally%2C%20Indigenous%20communities%20are%20vulnerable,areas%20and%20maintenance%20of%20systems
.

https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/lack-of-clean-drinking-water-in-indigenous-communities#:~:text=Specifically%2C
%20Indigenous%20communities%20are%20vulnerable,areas%20and%20maintenance%20of%20systems
.
https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/lack-of-clean-drinking-water-in-indigenous-communities#:~:text=Specific
ally%2C%20Indigenous%20communities%20are%20vulnerable,areas%20and%20maintenance%20of%20systems
.