Chief Wilbert Marshall

Atlantic First Nations Water Authority to build, maintain clean water around the region

Atlantic First Nations Water Authority to build, maintain clean water around the region

After decades of dealing with discoloured water, residents of Potlotek First Nation in Nova Scotia are able to put it in the past. A water treatment plant and tower has cleared and made the water safe to use, but despite the work, some residents still have concerns. "Still a lot of people won't drink it and I don't blame them. It's going to take a while yet. There's some skepticism, I guess if the water is safe," said Potlotek First Nation Chief, Wilbert Marshall. The Atlantic First Nations Water Authority is hoping for that to change.

First Nations-led water authority signs agreement with federal government

First Nations-led water authority signs agreement with federal government

Atlantic region First Nations Chiefs and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) have signed a framework agreement on a ground-breaking water utility that will oversee the drinking water and wastewater operations for over half of the First Nations population in the region. The agreement will transfer control and management of water and wastewater services for 15 Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqey communities from ISC to a single First Nations-led organization, and comes with a $2.5 million federal investment to get the water authority started on recruitment, training of staff and other operational costs.