Aboriginal Neighbours

Just Water: challenges in the Island Lake Communities

In recent months, numerous people have contacted MCC Manitoba to express their concerns about the poor living conditions in Manitoba's Island Lake communities. This prompted MCC Manitoba leadership to begin conversations with First Nations' leaders from the provincial level (Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs), as well as the northern (Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak) and Island Lake region to discuss how to support and partner with them.  

 An awareness raising event, Just Water, was held on January 14, 2011, as an attempt to recognize the seriousness of these issues (Read the notes from the Listening Committee at this event). Many homes in Red Sucker Lake, Wasagamach, St. Theresa Point, and Garden Hill do not have indoor plumbing and rely on water hauled from community ttaps, and the use of outhouses or latrine buckets. Water shortages are common and sources are often contaminated, contributing to the spread of disease. The United Nations recognizes the right to clean drinking water and proper sanitation as a universal human right, yet for First Nations communities in northern Manitoba this is not a reality. 

MCC Manitoba is concerned that the lack of clean water and adequate sewage removal in many homes is a severe health hazard for the First Nations people in these communities - people with whom, as our neighbours, fellow citizens, and as descendants of the original inhabitants of Canada, we share a treaty.

We recognize that dealing with these issues is complex, involving the federal, provincial and local levels of government; so we encourge you to contact your Member of Parliament and Member of Legislative Assembly with your concerns of inequity and injustice. MCC Manitoba values your feedback as we work to develop relationships with First Nations' communities, and as we determine our role in helping to build healthier communities.

Continue to visit our website to find out what the latest news is on MCC Manitoba's involvement in these issues. If you wish to contact MCC Manitoba please do so by emailing manitoba@mennonitecc.ca.

The Aboriginal Neighbours program works at connecting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, groups and congregations to renew relationships between the two cultures and address issues of social and economic justice.

Contact the Aboriginal Neighbours program.