water authority

First Nations-led water authority in Mi'kma'ki sees $173 million investment in federal budget

First Nations-led water authority in Mi'kma'ki sees $173 million investment in federal budget

The federal government’s proposed 2022 budget includes millions for a first-of-its-kind Indigenous-led water authority to assume responsibility for water systems in First Nations communities. Indigenous Services Canada is set to receive $173 million in funding over 10 years to support the transfer of water and wastewater services in 17 First Nations communities in Eastern Canada to the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority. “We were optimistic about the budget submission but did not want to get ahead of ourselves leading up to the announcement. As Chief of a community that faced problems with its water for many years, (Thursday’s) announcement is a huge step in the right direction,” Potlotek Chief Wilbert Marshall, chair of the water authority’s board of directors said in a written statement.

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.

First Nations-owned water authority pitched to fix chronic drinking water issue

First Nations-owned water authority pitched to fix chronic drinking water issue

Two Indigenous groups in the Atlantic region, the Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik, are pitching a First Nations owned water authority to the federal government and First Nations. "We want to be able, at the end of the day, to turn on the tap and drink a glass of water," said Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Andrea Paul, one of the three current board members for the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA). "Some communities can't do that," she said.