AFN weighs in on Pikangikum water woes

The head of the Assembly First Nations (AFN) has thrown his support behind Pikangikum First Nation’s state of emergency.
Pikangikum Chief Jonah Strang declared the emergency April 15 due to a lack of clean drinking water. For several days the community was without drinkable and running water leading up to the state of emergency.
"I fully understand the concern and frustration of Chief Strang and his community on this matter, which has been an issue for many year,” National Chief Shawn Atleo said. “I have seen these problems first hand in my travels to First Nation communities. Literally thousands of our people are in homes that do not have clean drinking water. Our people are getting sick and at risk of disease. These types of problems should not be happening in a country like Canada. We need action now."
The AFN said about 116 First Nations are on boil water advisories because of lacking clean water.
Community members in Pikangikum have resorted to gathering water from a nearby lake to drink.
In the meantime, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is working with the community to address the water problem.
“INAC authorized the purchase and shipment of bottled water to assist the community with potable water demand,” Susan Bertrand, INAC spokesperson, said April 19. “At the same time, water operations are expected to return to normal shortly.”
Bertrand said repairs are underway to the water treatment plant and distribution lines. A meeting has also been scheduled to discuss the community’s water infrastructure.
with files from James Thom