When the City of Kenora and Northwestern Ontario want local news, weather, and sports online and on-demand, they turn to KenoraOnline. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Grassy Narrows First Nation received a settlement in 1985 from the Government of Canada and the Reed Paper Company that bought-out the Dryden Pulp and Paper Company and its sister-company Dryden Chemical Company. Grassy Narrows Water Crisis Kiera, Robyn, Ashley, Christiana About Grassy Narrows Where Is Grassy Narrows? Then, after months of work and the installation of new equipment in the existing plant, he received a letter from Health Canada saying that the water was safe for human consumption. As of January 2016, drinking water advisories were in effect in 85 First Nations communities across Canada, with the majority in Ontario. They migrated northward and westward during the late 17th and early 18th centuries in search of animals to supply the fur trade. A letter from Chief Rudy Turtle says tap water is safe to use again. So while the main reaction from residents of the First Nation has been "positive," Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle said, "some of the comments we're getting [are] people saying…finally. An agreement to connect Wauzhushk Onigum's water and sewer system with that of Kenora was not reached until June 2020, with the completion of construction taking place in September 2020. "Grassy Narrows continues to call for compensation for all community members for the impacts of the ongoing mercury crisis and for all support required to restore their health, way of life, livelihood, self-determination, lands and waters," the press release said. Previous reports indicated that water turbidity was at 120 times Ontario health guidelines and there was the presence of potentially cancer-causing disinfectant by-products. “I am a believer of honesty and I believe in praying. The health unit defines the Kenora region as: English River 21, Jaffray-Mellick, Keewatin, Kenora , Kenora…, Staff with the Northwestern Health Unit have confirmed the first COVID-19 related death in the region. KenoraOnline.com is Kenora's only source for community news and information such as weather and classifieds. Star Exclusive. Boil water advisory to end as Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation finalizes water agreement with Kenora, Ont. Approximately 36 per cent of the advisories had been in place for more than 10 years, and in some cases more than 20. One person lives in the Rainy River District, and the other two people have primary residences…, "Now is the time to act," is the message coming from Dr. The water crisis in this Northern Ontario First Nations once again exposes the failure by the federal government to provide access to safe and clean water to First Nations. Jul. ", He added, "it is also the celebration of a partnership with the City of Kenora that has been discussed for many years.". The project cost a total of $14.6 million, with the federal government contributing the majority of the funding to make it happen. Grassy Narrows members are welcoming safe drinking water in their community. Little Saskatchewan, MB as of September 26, 2020. His reindeer helped him make it through the Far East and into Australia first thing this morning. Grassy Narrows members don't have to use bottled water anymore. For almost 50 years, the people of Grassy Narrows have fought to make the government aware of their crisis. “People need to start stepping up to protect the water, to make sure things do not get any worse,” she said. In addition to protesting their government, the community turned to more traditional means as well. The water tower is seen on the Grassy Narrows First Nation reserve in northwestern Ontario on Friday, May 18, 2018. Boil water advisory lifted in Grassy -12°C . A drinking water advisory in Little Saskatchewan First Nation (Manitoba) on a well that serves the band office became long-term on September 26, 2020, after being in place for more than 12 months. A spokesperson for the federal ministry said the website is currently being updated, but CBC News could not confirm which boil water advisories were ended nor how many community members, if any at all, are still affected by an advisory at the time of publication. The community had been dealing with three boil water advisories, with some unable to use drinking water for seven years. Grassy Narrows is an Ojibway First Nation band government who inhabit northern. The NWHU says it was an elderly individual with other health issues. But I don't blame them because they've been on this advisory for so long that it's kind of, you know, it's unbelievable that they could finally drink it.". Our forthcoming print edition will further investigate the remediation plans of Dr. Rudd and his team. The Two First Nations in northwestern Ontario are finally able to drink from their taps as they celebrated lifting long-term boil water advisories this week. The third is listed as being resolved in 2017. One day later, the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation celebrated the end of their long-term boil water advisory at the completion of the $14-million project to connect the community to the city of Kenora's water and sewer system. The youth of Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) First Nation are demanding the Canadian government keep its promises to finally address the mercury crisis in their community. But it's truly, truly good that now they can just turn to the water taps.". The community had been dealing with three boil water advisories, with some unable to use drinking water for seven years. This means you can safely consume the tap water.". Skead said in a release, "today is first a celebration for the citizens of our First Nation who will finally have safe drinking water after being on a boil water order for over 3 years. Negotiations about bringing clean water to the First Nation began between the two communities in September 2018. The First Nation declared a state of emergency in August 2015 after they did not receive answers from the federal government to questions about the safety of their water. . Environment Minister Glen Murray announced in Jun 2017 article, CBC news: Ontario will spend $85 million to clean up industrial mercury contamination that is poisoning the people at Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations in NW Ont Community members in Grassy Narrows First Nation, also known as Asubpeeschoseewagong, received a letter from Chief Rudy Turtle on September 29 which read: "As of TODAY the boil water advisory is NOW lifted. Darwin and Afeni are from Grassy Narrows, Canada, a first nations reserve that has been devastated by mercury poisoning. Grassy Narrows leaders marched alongside hundreds of supporters through downtown Toronto to demand action amid the ongoing mercury poisoning crisis in the northern Ontario First Nation. Boil water advisory lifted in Grassy. In addition, large patrilineal clans divide… You'll…, The Northwestern Health Unit has reported one new case of COVID-19 in the Kenora region. The Wabigoon River has been sacred to the people of Grassy Narrows for generations. ", Turtle added, "Some people are a little leery or apprehensive ... and I think for some it'll take a little bit of time to finally trust the water. All Rights Reserved. Out of respect for the…, Whitedog First Nation is looking forward to implementing their own customary care code for child welfare. Ancestors of the northern Ojibwe are thought to have originally inhabited the north shore of the upper Great Lakes. 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