Saskatchewan First Nation lifts 17-year long water advisory
CTV
After 17 years, residents of Star Blanket Cree Nation can breathe a sigh of relief when turning on their taps.
After 17 years, residents of Star Blanket Cree Nation can breathe a sigh of relief when turning on their taps.
A nearly two decade long-term water advisory has been lifted thanks to the completion of a new water treatment plant, but local leadership says it could still take a while for residents to trust the water coming out of the faucet.
“Some people have grown up, never knowing what clean water is like to come out of your taps, to be able to trust to drink, to be able to wash with,” Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada said.
The plant was a $10.5 million project, with funding from the federal government. The system uses biological filtration and membrane treatment to provide clean drinking water for the approximately 300 residents in the area.
Chief Michael Starr explained that this will have a profound impact on the community.
“It gives you life, and it’s part of our energies, if you will, our natural laws, and it’s very significant that we are part of it and we are able to say, 'yes, you can drink the water now,'” he said.
Chief Starr added that it will be an adjustment for the community after such a long advisory.
