headaches

B.C. First Nations village evacuated after blue-green algae found in water source

B.C. First Nations village evacuated after blue-green algae found in water source

A small indigenous community in the South Coast community of Kingcome Inlet, B.C., has been evacuated after blue-green algae was found in its well water. Chief Willie Moon of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation says the decision was made last Thursday, Feb. 13 to evacuate around 60 people after tests from the First Nations Health Authority confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria. “Last summer people were complaining about the smell of the water,” said Moon, “We don’t know how long we’ve been exposed to this bacteria.”

Neskantaga First Nation evacuees can return home, officials say

Neskantaga First Nation evacuees can return home, officials say

Evacuees from Neskantaga First Nation started returning home Monday after recent water testing showed chlorine and microbiological levels were at acceptable levels after a new pump was installed in the local water system. The previous piece of equipment malfunctioned earlier in September, triggering a state of emergency. About 220 residents were in Thunder Bay for more than a week after the pump went down on Sept. 14. Chief Chris Moonias called for the evacuation himself, concerned about symptoms he said were showing up in community members, including skin rashes, stomach problems and headaches.