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BEARSPAW FIRST NATION OPENS NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT

EDEN VALLEY, ALBERTA (October 20, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, in conjunction with Bearspaw First Nation Chief Darcy Dixon, today announced the official opening of a new water treatment plant at the Eden Valley Reserve.

"The ultimate goal is to ensure that residents of First Nations enjoy the same protection afforded other Canadians when it comes to drinking water," said Minister Prentice. "Canada's new government will ensure that First Nation community leaders have access to the tools and resources they need to deliver clean water to their residents."

The $1.5-million plant is part of a $3.8-million water system upgrade, which received complete funding from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), and includes new reservoirs for raw and treated water. Engineering services were provided by MPE Engineering Ltd. and construction was completed by Tritech Group Ltd.

"Today's celebration marks the pinnacle of many years of dedicated and focused leadership on water safety and community health and well-being," said Chief Dixon. "We offer our sincere appreciation for all the efforts of everyone who has assisted in the successful completion of this project, namely the membership, for their input and support of this project, along with Nakoda Nation capital projects staff, INAC, MPE Engineering, Carmacks Enterprises, Tritech Contracting, Shawne Excavating, Stave Construction, the First Nation (Alberta) Technical Services Advisory Group and our water works operator trainee, Chandler (C.J.) Dixon."

The new system provides high-quality drinking water to meet current demands, and is designed and built to service double the current population over the next 20 years. The plant has state-of-the-art monitoring and control capabilities, where all facilities are linked via wireless communications.

Bearspaw First Nation, along with Chiniki and Wesley First Nations, is a component of the Stoney Tribe. Located west of Calgary, the Tribe has an on-reserve population of about 4,400 residents.

On March 21, 2006, Minister Prentice announced a Plan of Action for water quality on First Nations, which includes implementation of a Protocol for Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Communities and mandatory training for all water treatment plant operators, and a regime to ensure that all water systems have the oversight of certified operators.

Since 2003/2004, INAC has invested more than $51 million in upgrading and building water plant systems in Alberta.

For further information, please contact:

Mary Stacey
Bearspaw First Nation
(403) 828-1924

Kelly Payn
Communications Officer
INAC, Alberta Region
(780) 495-2840

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