(Photo credit: Indigenous Services Canada)
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu paid Star Blanket Cree Nation a visit today to celebrate the opening of a new water treatment facility in the community.
The Cree nation hasn’t had clean drinking water in over 17 years, as a boil water advisory was in effect since 2007. The advisory on the Public Water System affected 82 homes and community buildings, including the healthcare facility, Early Learning Centre, and band office.
“The completion and opening of our new water treatment plant brings great pride as we announce the lifting of the boil water advisory. Water is essential to life. This memorable moment in our history aligns with our traditions and beliefs. We honour the Water and what it represents to our community. We can now use the water feeling comfort knowing the water is clean and safe to consume. “Said Chief Michael Starr in a release.
Construction of the $10.5 million water treatment facility began in January of last year, and the community held a grand opening ceremony for the facility earlier this month. The project also included drilling a new raw water well, construction of a raw water line, rehabilitation of an existing raw water well, and flushing of the water distribution system.
“For too long, the people of Star Blanket Cree Nation couldn’t trust the water coming out of their taps. This time is over. Thanks to the dedication of Star Blanket Cree Nation, community members now have reliable access to safe drinking water for generations to come. Their work is moving us further on the path to reconciliation. There are now 70% fewer long-term drinking water advisories in First Nation communities across Canada than in 2015. And there is a plan in place to address all the remaining ones.” Stated Hajdu in a release.
Right now, there are still five active, long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve in Saskatchewan and 31 active, long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve in Canada.