Pikangikum First Nation Water Project Why Pikangikum

Pikangikum First Nation Water Project

Why Pikangikum? • 2008 – 2011 – highest suicide rate in the world; • Young people need a chance; • Many of the suicides are a result of bullying caused by lack of water; • Government claims the cost of water is too high.

Pikangikum First Nation is: • 100 km. north of Red Lake; • In Ontario but near the Manitoba border; • 2, 400 people living in a remote fly-in community.

Water now • The Elders were asked to prioritize the needs of the community; • Housing and water are number one on the list; Chief Dean Owen raising funds for a CT scanner for Sioux Lookout Health Centre

Present water Conditions Water treatment plant – people walk to the plant to get water Or they can walk to one of two outlets (easily contaminated) How do you shower from a jerry can of water?

Federal Government • Government assessment of putting water into homes at least $2 million per household - so they walked away; • Pikangikum Working Group say $35, 000. per household.

Housing Average – 18 people per house Mould in housing caused illness and forced 25 of 30 teachers to leave the community in January, 2012. Mould found in the best homes and they were fixed – what about where the children live ?

Young people

Suicide

Enid’s Blog from Viking Island This part of Canada is beautiful. We are surrounded by nature and true wilderness. . but all is not heaven. Pikangikum, …has been the suicide center of the world for the past 20 years. Gas sniffing and alcohol abuse are rampant … amongst young people. People here are working hard to make changes … They are working through land planning to bring employment … no intention of moving away despite the problems.

Schooling • In 2007, Minister of Indian Affairs, promised $46 million for school upgrades, water and wastewater systems improvements. • Six years later, nothing has happened.

An Elder speaks… • I want : • the children to have running water, hot baths, cosy pyjamas, and warm beds; • the rates of addiction … and suicides to plunge… • the children to have a stable school environment; • I want them to feel safe and optimistic about their future.

Don’t we all want these gifts for • our children, • our grandchildren, • our nation’s children?

The Project leaders want it too… • Robert (Bob) White, MBA, BASc, PEng, CMC BRI INTERNATIONAL http: //www. bri. ca/aboriginal. html • David Steeves, P. Eng. – Consultant, Organizational Management • Irving Leblanc, A/Director, Housing and Infrastructure, Assembly of First Nations & Water Specialist We pray for them to have strength in their efforts

What will help… Informal & Formal Partnerships with… • Pikangikum First Nations Elders & Community • Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund • Charles Catto, Frontiers Foundation Inc. • Food Security Research Network, Lakehead University • Toronto Anglican Diocese and various churches of many denominations

Projects Planned & Initiated • Water and wastewater service to some homes – 20 homes this year • Clothing, food and bedding campaign Nov 19 -Dec 14 • Youth programs support • Food production adapting for climate change • Portable lumber mill - construction of houses & food production facility - lumber for 10 houses

More Projects Planned • Tourism and economic development • Educational support – assisting school dev. • U of T Research Project – diesel generation • Retrofitting existing homes • Business Development Initiatives

Other Initiatives Developing • Volunteer Development and management • Young couple - youth coordinators • Halfway house for recovering addicts • Vocational training, implement a CO-OP

How you can help… James Bartleman Lt. Gov. of Ontario Bishop Mark Macdonald Stay informed- don’t just believe what you’re told Don’t stereotype – Natives are in every walk of life Advocate for youth Donate to PWRDF

It’s not about laying blame — it’s about children and their lives

Not this

How will you help ?