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From http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/story.php?id=220327

Four area First Nations on quick fix list for water
Shoal Lake 40, Northwest Angle 37, Dalles and Wabigoon First Nations are all on Ottawa’s highest priority list for quick fixes when it comes to safe drinking water.

By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Wednesday March 22, 2006

Shoal Lake 40, Northwest Angle 37, Dalles and Wabigoon First Nations are all on Ottawa’s highest priority list for quick fixes when it comes to safe drinking water.

“All parties with responsibilities in this area must take decisive action and achieve measurable results,” said Indian Affairs minister Jim Prentice,

Tuesday’s announcement has roots dating back to last November, when the Liberal government found itself immersed in scandal over the living conditions in Kashechewan First Nation, where half of the 1,900 residents had to be evacuated to southern communities due to ongoing concerns over contaminated drinking water. Almost six months later, the community is still listed under a precautionary drinking water advisory.

Last fall, a total of nine communities in Treaty 3 were listed on the boil water advisory list. Since then, Couchiching, Red Gut and Dalles have been removed, but Eagle Lake, Lac Seul, Wabigoon, Shoal Lake 40, and both bands at Northwest Angle are still on the list.

“I’m very surprised. It’s very good news,” said band councillor Rhonda Nash of Northwest Angle 37.

“Hopefully they’ll follow through on their promises,” she added, noting the band council is still dealing with preliminary studies and consultants.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada spokesman Tony Prudori said the project at Northwest Angle 37 was entering the design and construction phase.

At Wabigoon, engineers were assessing the existing system, and the next phase would be a feasibility study, while Dalles was scheduled to have its facility open by summer.

The government also hopes to establish clear responsibilities for the regulation and enforcement of water treatment in aboriginal communities, as well as ensuring the necessary resources are provided for those in need.

National Chief Phil Fontaine said Tuesday he was encouraged by the first steps taken by Ottawa in an effort to close the gap in living conditions between First Nations and non-aboriginal Canadians.

Fontaine hoped the joint efforts would result in better training programs for water treatment operators, who may not currently be certified, as well as better resources for community leaders, who want to retain employees through better wages and working conditions, once staff have been properly trained.

Fontaine and Prentice have also been discussing the implementation of important settlements reached with the previous government, such as the $2-billion residential school compensation package and the $5-billion Kelowna agreement, which included investments in health, education and housing.

Tuesday’s announcement comes two weeks before the House of Commons is set to resume.