Canada's Waterless Communities: Neskantaga

Summary

The transcript highlights the ongoing water crisis in the Nishnawbe community, which has been under a boil water advisory for over 20 years. Residents receive insufficient bottled water, reflecting systemic neglect by government authorities. The community grapples with health issues related to water quality, alongside the social implications of isolation and poverty. Discussions about potential mining developments reveal the community's desire for economic opportunities, yet concerns about environmental impacts persist. Personal stories illustrate the psychological toll of these challenges, underscoring the urgent need for advocacy, unity, and sustainable solutions for a better future.

Takeaways

• 💧 Nishanka, a remote Cree First Nation, has been under a boil water advisory for 20 years, highlighting a significant lack of access to clean drinking water.
• 🚫 The community's water treatment plant, built in 1993, has only been operational for two years, forcing residents to rely on boiled or flown-in water.
• 💔 Many young band members have grown up without access to clean water, contributing to a sense of hopelessness and leading to substance abuse and a suicide crisis.
• 💰 The Matawa First Nations, including Nishanka, sit on North America's largest chromite deposit, which could potentially fund a new water treatment plant if mining proceeds.
• 👥 Community leaders express concerns about the mining development, emphasizing the need for informed consent and involvement of Indigenous voices in decision-making.
• 🛠️ The government provides limited annual funding for water treatment facilities, but the community questions where this funding actually goes, as it fails to produce drinkable water.
• ⚖️ The ongoing water crisis raises human rights concerns, as similar situations in non-Indigenous communities would provoke significant outrage.
• 🌍 There is a strong desire among community members for engagement and participation in discussions regarding mining and its implications for their land and resources.
• 🙁 The mental and physical health of residents is severely affected by the lack of clean water, leading to skin issues and other health problems.
• 🌱 Individuals who have left Nishanka report significant health improvements upon accessing clean water elsewhere, reflecting the dire consequences of the ongoing water crisis.

Q & A

What is the main issue faced by the Nishnawbe community regarding water?

The Nishnawbe community has been under a boil water advisory for 20 years, struggling with access to clean drinking water and relying on bottled water deliveries.

How does the community feel about the quantity of bottled water provided to them?

Residents express frustration that only four bottles of water are provided for six people, which is insufficient for cooking, cleaning, and drinking.

What historical context is provided regarding the water treatment plant in Nishnawbe?

The water treatment plant was built in 1993 but only operated for two years. Since then, the community has been under a boil water advisory due to high levels of contaminants.

What potential benefits are associated with the Ring of Fire mining project for the Nishnawbe community?

If the mining project proceeds, it could generate profits to fund access roads and a new water treatment plant, potentially providing clean water for the first time in two decades.

What concerns do community members have regarding the mining development?

Community members worry that mining could permanently impact their land and environment, and they feel they have not been given adequate options or involvement in the decision-making process.

What are some health issues reported among community members related to the water?

Residents report skin rashes and other health problems from using contaminated water, with some developing immunity to its effects over time.

How does the community perceive government involvement in their water crisis?

Community members feel that the government has been neglectful, as they have not provided sufficient funding or support to resolve the water crisis effectively.

What significant social issues are mentioned in the transcript alongside the water crisis?

The transcript highlights a suicide crisis in the community, linking it to feelings of hopelessness and the lack of clean water and resources.

How do young people in Nishnawbe respond to the lack of clean water?

Many young people are leaving the community due to the poor living conditions and lack of opportunities, seeking better health and a more stable environment elsewhere.

What steps are being taken by the Matawa First Nations regarding the water crisis?

The Matawa First Nations are meeting to unify their demands and advocate for clean water, pushing for community engagement and involvement in discussions about mining and development.