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NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN KAWAWACHIKAMACH

KAWAWACHIKAMACH (Quebec), October 11, 2006 - Chief Philip Einish of the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach proceeded with the official inauguration of the new water treatment plant, in which Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) invested $2 million.

"Clean drinking water in First Nations communities is one of my priorities," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "We will continue our efforts to provide safe, clean drinking water for aboriginal communities and provide them with the tools to manage their water resources."

In 2001, the Nation Council mandated a committee to find a sustainable solution to the community's drinking water source. After conducting several tests, the community decided to go with the option of treating surface water from Lake Peter through membrane filtration. This technology provides greater stability in the quality of drinking water year-round.

Each step of the project was carefully studied, especially through a risk assessment done in association with INAC. The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach completed the project using the labour of their own members, which built capacity and created jobs for members of the community.

Three members of the Nation recently obtained their water treatment plant operator certification. The certification program was co-ordinated by the Regroupement Mamit Innuat, on behalf of the Tribal Councils of Quebec, and offered in association with institutions recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education. INAC also funded the training.

"The implementation of our new drinking water treatment system is an excellent example of the results that can be achieved through hard work and collaboration on the part of the Naskapi Nation and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada," said Chief Philip Einish. "Our members are reassured that the water treatment needs of our expanding community will be met for years to come."

The community of Kawawachikamach, which has 585 residents, is located 15 kilometres northeast of Schefferville, Quebec.

For more information, contact:

Media Relations
Quebec Regional Office
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(418) 648-4285

Mr. John Mameamskum
Executive Director
Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach
(418) 585-2686 ext. 244

Documentation

Action plan for drinking water in First Nations communities

Improving the quality of drinking water on reserve
Professional operator training and recognition

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