National Chief Welcomes UN Declaration

National Chief Welcomes UN Declaration

Friday, July 30, 2010 at 13:34

A recent declaration at the United Nations is being met with open arms by a national leader.

Chief Shawn Atleo of the Assembly of First Nations says he’s pleased clean water and sanitation have been declared human rights.

According to the AFN, 114 communities across the country were under drinking water advisories in June.

In addition, 49 water systems on-reserve were classified as high risk.

The government is currently looking at implementing safe-drinking water regulations on reserve.

However, Atleo says this approach will not address all the inequities that are out there.

He says a joint effort is needed to address the underlying problems.