Aboriginal Waters: A Slow Boil

[I think not]

The state of drinking water on Canada's reserves

CBC News Online | February 20, 2006

Canada is a developed nation; we generally assume the water we drink is safe and clean.

But for many of the half a million Canadians living on First Nations reserves, access to clean and safe water is a major problem.

A CBC investigation has found that many reserves across the country are struggling to access clean and safe drinking water, despite nearly $2 billion spent by the federal government towards fixing the problem. Some reserves have been under boil water advisories for years and many people are forced to rely on bottled water. In some cases, residents say the water is too dirty to even bathe in.

In 2001, three quarters of the drinking water systems on reserves posed potential health risks. CBC filed access to information requests to obtain water audits from 2001. We compared that data with current information to try to understand what has changed. Our findings? Drinking water in two-thirds of communities remains at risk. Seventy-six First Nations communities are currently under boil water advisories. Sixty-two per cent of water operators aren't properly certified.

Water specialists and advocates say a number of factors contribute to the problem. Sometimes water treatment plants don't meet standards or haven't been upgraded. Water testing may be inconsistent; there is no legislation requiring drinking water quality and safety in First Nations communities to be monitored. Reserves still struggle to train and certify water operators. The latest available data from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada indicates that 62 per cent of First Nations water operators are still not properly certified.

Reserve leaders complain they can't get funding or expertise. But Indian and Northern Affairs is in a tug of war over funding and how best to spend money to ensure the safety of drinking water.

In 2003, the federal government made drinking water safety in First Nations communities a priority and approved an additional $600 million of funding over five years as part of the First Nations Water Management Strategy.

That strategy was supposed to fix many of the problems. But in 2005, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Johanne Gelinas found that when it comes to the safety of drinking water, residents of First Nations communities do not benefit from the same level of protection as people who live off reserves. She also found a profound lack of accounting, standards and monitoring of how Ottawa has spent nearly $2 billion to fix the problem.

CBC - Link


Edited to remove caps in thread title. Cosmo (OCD acting up again today)

 

[Said1]

RE: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

Not to side step the issue or anything, but the state of some reserves on both sides of the boarder are deplorable.

“Housing conditions for many Indians have reached the crisis point. Four in ten Indians are under-housed.
To avoid going homeless, many are forced to crowd several families into a single-family structure.” said
Garcia. “I have seen up to 18 people in a small home.” Garcia continued that “One in eight lack safe drinking water and
one in twelve lack basic sanitation.” Garcia emphasized that these conditions are “humiliating, degrading and medically
unconscionable.” Mr. Garcia has tremendous experience in Indian housing, with his involvement in the first negotiated
rulemaking of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA), which
allows tribes as sovereign nations more leverage in solving their own housing shortage problems. As Garcia states since
the inception of NAHASDA tribes are becoming homeowners at an increasing rate, 39 percent more from 1997
to 2001.
“Solving these homeownership disparities has been a mission the National American Indian Housing Council,” said
Chester Carl, Chairman of NAIHC, “With the President aiming to cut 140 federal programs in FY 2007, we hope that
the needs for Indian housing and Indian Country are clear. We must as a nation focus inward, so that the challenges we
face today will not be felt seven generations from now.”

Continued

More interesting stuff here:
Native American Housing Council

 

[I think not]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

***Political Correctness Mode On***

The American Indians have not been helped as nearly as they should be, after all they were here before any of us even knew about North America. It is a shame they should be living in these conditions.

***Political Correctness Mode Off***

Ya? Well they can cry me a river, they have received BILLIONS over the years, had they not been isolationists within their own country they would have been fine. Give me this and that doesn't work all the time, and I have low tolerance levels for helping one "group" over another.

 

[Sassylassie]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

The Federal Government has given Billions to Native Tribes threw out Canada but the terms and conditions on how the money is spent is often left to the Ruling Chiefs and the Band Counsels. That is the problem, corruption on a grand scale. Polluted water, the bands have been given adequate funding but what did the Chiefs spend the money on? Housing, again they are alloted funds for housing, where is the money going? The Feds refuse to examine these issue because they know the answer will be ugly and embarresing. You don't need a Rocket Scientest to tell you not to poo up stream of your drinking water.

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

***Political Correctness Mode On***

The American Indians have not been helped as nearly as they should be, after all they were here before any of us even knew about North America. It is a shame they should be living in these conditions.

***Political Correctness Mode Off***

Ya? Well they can cry me a river, they have received BILLIONS over the years, had they not been isolationists within their own country they would have been fine. Give me this and that doesn't work all the time, and I have low tolerance levels for helping one "group" over another.

To be honest, I don't really know how the wealth is distributed, I do know it isn't equal.

Do they not deserve help that goes beyond their treaty rights, where needed - at least temporarily in areas of concern, like technology? I will be the first to say that developing a First Nations government infrastructure has not been easy, but I think certain things like public health etc could be combined. However, Ontario was faced with ginormous cutbacks to our environmental agencies implemented through the Harris government, so that type of relationship might not have worked out so well in the long run.

I also don't think they were isolationists pre se, but like you said, they were here first. What is so terrible about the desire to maintain traditional lifestyles? You are not willing to bow to certain groups demands for appeasment, why should they have had to back in the day?

Don't get me wrong, I understand the sense of entitlement you speak of, but that is a very broad generalization.

Having said all that, I'm wondering why you posted the article. Just a reminder?

 

[I think not]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

Said1

They are isolationists, millions of acres of their land has been given federal protection and they can conduct their own affairs within those lands. They do not endeavor to become anything other than to dwell on their ancestry, that's fine, it's their choice. There are approximately 2 million Native Americans all over the US, they sit back and ask for handouts. They get free medical care, no taxes, billions upon billions of dollars in aid and they have little or nothing to show for it, and the unemployment rate in these areas are 70%!.

What was true 100 years ago that they were looked down upon is not true today. They have reached the point where they expect a cradle to grave life compliments of Uncle Sam. It's time they start looking after themselves, they have all that they need to become active rather than passive members of society.

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

Said1

They are isolationists, millions of acres of their land has been given federal protection and they can conduct their own affairs within those lands. They do not endeavor to become anything other than to dwell on their ancestry, that's fine, it's their choice. There are approximately 2 million Native Americans all over the US, they sit back and ask for handouts. They get free medical care, no taxes, billions upon billions of dollars in aid and they have little or nothing to show for it, and the unemployment rate in these areas are 70%!.

The unemployment rate in those areas maybe 70% as you assert, but it's just wrong to say 2 million Native Americans sit back and ask for handouts.

The niceties they are granted are party of their treaty rights, are they not?

What was true 100 years ago that they were looked down upon is not true today. They have reached the point where they expect a cradle to grave life compliments of Uncle Sam. It's time they start looking after themselves, they have all that they need to become active rather than passive members of society.

100 yrs ago, read what you just wrote.

I worked with aboriginal children for 8 yrs. On top of all the children and parents I worked with, I know hundreds of successful EMPLOYED natives. Your comments...if I may be so blunt are sickening, truely sad.

 

[I think not]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

The unemployment rate in those areas maybe 70% as you assert, but it's just wrong to say 2 million Native Americans sit back and ask for handouts.

That was worded incorrectly, their representatives sit back and ask for handouts while not giving the population what they should be getting, a fair chance at improving themselves.

The niceties they are granted are party of their treaty rights, are they not?

No, they are not, Acts of Congress gave them what they are entitled to, their land back, and to be able to govern themselves independent of federal intervention if they so choose. That's where it ended. Appropriations are lobbied annually depending on the state where they reside.

I worked with aboriginal children for 8 yrs. On top of all the children and parents I worked with, I know hundreds of successful EMPLOYED natives. Your comments...if I may be so blunt are sickening, truely sad.

I know successful EMPLOYED Natives in New York, that doesn't mean they are all employed and why is reality sickening and sad? Are you saying society or government intentionally keeps them where they are?

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

[

That was worded incorrectly, their representatives sit back and ask for handouts while not giving the population what they should be getting, a fair chance at improving themselves.

I agree.

No, they are not, Acts of Congress gave them what they are entitled to, their land back, and to be able to govern themselves independent of federal intervention if they so choose. That's where it ended. Appropriations are lobbied annually depending on the state where they reside.

When were they given their land back? I've never heard of that. Manhatten included? If that is the case, why all the free stuff?

Anyway, Perhaps I didn't phrase myself correctly either: weren't they given such things in exchange for their land either at the time or at a later date? Do no treaties exist in the United States?

I know successful EMPLOYED Natives in New York, that doesn't mean they are all employed and why is reality sickening and sad? Are you saying society or government intentionally keeps them where they are?

You mistakenly said there are 2 million Native Americans sitting back with their hands out? That would imply that you ment all of them. I think you can understand why that might sound a little uncalled for and harsh. And then the cradle to grave compliments from Uncle Sam remark is a bit bigotted too.

And to answer your second comment, I said no such thing. And if you go back, I even said I understand the sense of entitlement you speak of, but that does not apply to all natives as your statements imply.

 

[I think not]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

When were they given their land back? I've never heard of that. Manhatten included? If that is the case, why all the free stuff?

Tribes that continued to exist were given their land back by The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 OR if you prefer they were given land.

Anyway, Perhaps I didn't phrase myself correctly either: weren't they given such things in exchange for their land either at the time or at a later date? Do no treaties exist in the United States?

As I said, they recieved millions of acres of land with the 1934 Act, since then, they have recieved funding in the billions of dollars. The overall point I am trying to make is that their representatives DO NOT utilize this money appropriately, they could have been in GREAT shape financially, mentally and physically. You have to understand, once they recieve the money its out of everyones hands, they do what they feel is necessary with it. And yes they are isolationists.

You mistakenly said there are 2 million Native Americans sitting back with their hands out? That would imply that you ment all of them. I think you can understand why that might sound a little uncalled for and harsh. And then the cradle to grave compliments from Uncle Sam remark is a bit bigotted too.

It was uncalled for but as I said, it was worded incorrectly. And the cradle to grave is not bigotted at all, they have preferential treatment based on their ancestry and race. Contrary to every other race in the US they recieve huge funding in infrastructure, medical care, education and no taxes. Plus they have a right to self-government if they so choose. What is bigotted, is the preferential treatment of American Inidans because of their race.

And to answer your second comment, I said no such thing. And if you go back, I even said I understand the sense of entitlement you speak of, but that does not apply to all natives as your statements imply.

Again, I worded it incorrectly.

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

[
OR if you prefer they were given land.

That would mean reserves for the most part?

As I said, they recieved millions of acres of land with the 1934 Act, since then, they have recieved funding in the billions of dollars. The overall point I am trying to make is that their representatives DO NOT utilize this money appropriately, they could have been in GREAT shape financially, mentally and physically. You have to understand, once they recieve the money its out of everyones hands, they do what they feel is necessary with it.

Yes I do understand.

What you don't seem to understand is that there are problems developing proper infrastruture ensuring this doesn't happen. When they openly admit they do not have the technical know how (or corruption exists, preventing proper standards) to montitor certain things affecting their health and safty, what is wrong with giving it? This doesn't have to include money being given to them, just cooperation between our public health facilities and them and Indian Affairs.

The Assembly of First Nations really needs to come down on their tribal leaders and enforce the law. Period. They are not providing leadership and obviously looking the other way. Everyone knows what's going on in many of these communities, someone has to stand up and say ENOUGH. Then they can thrive through whatever means they see fit.

And yes they are isolationists.

How, by living on reserves? Do you want to live on one?
Again, with the broad generalizations.

It was uncalled for but as I said, it was worded incorrectly. And the cradle to grave is not bigotted at all, they have preferential treatment based on their ancestry and race. Contrary to every other race in the US they recieve huge funding in infrastructure, medical care, education and no taxes. Plus they have a right to self-government if they so choose. What is bigotted, is the preferential treatment of American Inidans because of their race.

Yes it is bigotted, not all expect this.

Again, I will ask, why are they given these benefits? Clearly what they gave up was much more valuable than what they recieved. What would you say the state and access to health care, schools etc looks like to the average Rez resident?

And furthermore, why were they subjected to such things as the Native Adoption Project if they are living the high life with all that free stuff? Another failed assimilation project, both our governments tried.

If, as you say the onus is on their leaders, why so hostile towards the entire community?

 

[Sassylassie]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

The British and the French took their lands, stole their resourses, herded them onto reservations and don't forget all the lies. Then they forbid their belief systems, sent their children to white schools to be abused, took their language from them, more land grabs for Military bases on and on. If they could trust a Government any Government the Native People could ask for help. Band Chiefs are stealing their resourse, but wait the Government isn't even investigating just throwing more money at the Band Councils. A point of interest: The Native language does not have a word for Guilty, they didn't need that word in their vocabulary because their culture was built on trust and sharing.

 

[I think not]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

That would mean reserves for the most part?

Yes, that's correct.

Yes I do understand.

What you don't seem to understand is that there are problems developing proper infrastruture ensuring this doesn't happen. When they openly admit they do not have the technical know how (or corruption exists, preventing proper standards) to montitor certain things affecting their health and safty, what is wrong with giving it? This doesn't have to include money being given to them, just cooperation between our public health facilities and them and Indian Affairs.

There is no problem giving help Said1, but as I mentioned earlier they have been receiving assistance since 1934, that's nearly 80 years, or two generations. How much longer do they need to obtain the techincal know how or understanding of how to govern themselves, which by the way is what they wanted to begin with.

The Assembly of First Nations really needs to come down on their tribal leaders and enforce the law. Period. They are not providing leadership and obviously looking the other way. Everyone knows what's going on in many of these communities, someone has to stand up and say ENOUGH. Then they can thrive through whatever means they see fit.

There are legal obstacles to what you propose, the government cannot interfere in any way, consider the reservations a foriegn country for all practical purposes. The only thing they could do is cut off their funding, and you know that's not happening.

How, by living on reserves? Do you want to live on one? Again, with the broad generalizations.

You know why does everyone get hell bent when referring to a race or nation or what have you when attempting to convey an opinion? And yes by living on reserves and not interacting with the rest of the population, I call that isolationism. Whether or not I want to live on one is irrelevant, they have chosen to live there, nobody has stopped them from moving out of the reservations, NOBODY.

Yes it is bigotted, not all expect this.

It is not bigotted, you are just interpreting it in that manner for some reason that currently escapes me.

Again, I will ask, why are they given these benefits? Clearly what they gave up was much more valuable than what they recieved. What would you say the state and access to health care, schools etc looks like to the average Rez resident?

Guilt? Why doesn't any other minority receive money in the same manner?

And furthermore, why were they subjected to such things as the Native Adoption Project if they are living the high life with all that free stuff? Another failed assimilation project, both our governments tried.

I have no idea, why don't you ask them.

If, as you say the onus is on their leaders, why so hostile towards the entire community?

Who is being hostile? Are you making this up as you go along?

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

[
There is no problem giving help Said1, but as I mentioned earlier they have been receiving assistance since 1934, that's nearly 80 years, or two generations. How much longer do they need to obtain the techincal know how or understanding of how to govern themselves, which by the way is what they wanted to begin with.

My comments were in reference to the article you posted. These meausres should have beein in the place since the get go, IMHO. There is no reason why public health matters could not be under one jurisdiction.

There are legal obstacles to what you propose, the government cannot interfere in any way, consider the reservations a foriegn country for all practical purposes. The only thing they could do is cut off their funding, and you know that's not happening.

The Assembly of First Nations is the Native government, in Canada anyway. They have to power to apply pressure, they do not.

You know why does everyone get hell bent when referring to a race or nation or what have you when attempting to convey an opinion? And yes by living on reserves and not interacting with the rest of the population, I call that isolationism. Whether or not I want to live on one is irrelevant, they have chosen to live there, nobody has stopped them from moving out of the reservations, NOBODY.

Many have left and have serious problems adapting, so they go back. They also do interact with the rest of the population where possible.

You're opinion is also hostile. Maybe it's your tone.

It is not bigotted, you are just interpreting it in that manner for some reason that currently escapes me.

It is bigotted because your are painting them all with the same brush.

Guilt? Why doesn't any other minority receive money in the same manner?

Did I say guilt? No. What I said is, do you know what how accessable health care and eduaction is to those living on reserves. How about the quality.

I have no idea, why don't you ask them.

You could at least try to think about it.

Who is being hostile? Are you making this up as you go along?

You're tone is hostile. You're steaming up my monitor.

 

[I think not]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

Many have left and have serious problems adapting, so they go back. They also do interact with the rest of the population where possible.

What kind of adapting problems? Racism?

You're opinion is also hostile. Maybe it's your tone.

When I get hostile or develop a tone I use smileys, since I haven't there is no tone.

It is bigotted because your are painting them all with the same brush.

It is not bigotted because I have corrected myself, repeatedly and yet you persist.

Did I say guilt? No. What I said is, do you know what how accessable health care and eduaction is to those living on reserves. How about the quality.

I was actually responding to you with a question when I said perhaps its guilt. They do not have access to health care easily because they overwhelmingly prefer Native Indian doctors and there aren't many of them in the reservations.

You could at least try to think about it.

I'm rather brain dead this evening to think about anything.

You're tone is hostile. You're steaming up my monitor.

Well ok then, if that's what you think.

 

[Jersay]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

The Federal Government has given Billions to Native Tribes threw out Canada but the terms and conditions on how the money is spent is often left to the Ruling Chiefs and the Band Counsels. That is the problem, corruption on a grand scale. Polluted water, the bands have been given adequate funding but what did the Chiefs spend the money on? Housing, again they are alloted funds for housing, where is the money going? The Feds refuse to examine these issue because they know the answer will be ugly and embarresing. You don't need a Rocket Scientest to tell you not to poo up stream of your drinking water.

I've seen the Federal Ministry of Indian Affairs. They give a sum to the chiefs, but then they have a guideline for Native contracts to follow. And if this is not complete, or that, the money is pulled immediately.

Also, if you think the Native Band Councils get a ton of money, the Indian Affairs must have billions hiding in the basement.

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

What kind of adapting problems? Racism?

In some regions yes. They also don't have the social support networks that exist within their communities.

When I get hostile or develop a tone I use smileys, since I haven't there is no tone.

Ok.

It is not bigotted because I have corrected myself, repeatedly and yet you persist.

Ok.

I was actually responding to you with a question when I said perhaps its guilt. They do not have access to health care easily because they overwhelmingly prefer Native Indian doctors and there aren't many of them in the reservations.

There are reasons for this. Many prefer a combination of traditional medicines combined with new treatments. Not many non-native doctors are willing to practice medicine in this manner. And quite frankly, many of their natural remedies are much more effective than what your doctor will perscribe.

Holistic medicine and heeling is also not very big within the traditional medical establishment, nor do doctors want to go out and work in rural areas. That is a problem both off reserves and on, in Canada too.

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

The Federal Government has given Billions to Native Tribes threw out Canada but the terms and conditions on how the money is spent is often left to the Ruling Chiefs and the Band Counsels. That is the problem, corruption on a grand scale. Polluted water, the bands have been given adequate funding but what did the Chiefs spend the money on? Housing, again they are alloted funds for housing, where is the money going? The Feds refuse to examine these issue because they know the answer will be ugly and embarresing. You don't need a Rocket Scientest to tell you not to poo up stream of your drinking water.

I've seen the Federal Ministry of Indian Affairs. They give a sum to the chiefs, but then they have a guideline for Native contracts to follow. And if this is not complete, or that, the money is pulled immediately.

Also, if you think the Native Band Councils get a ton of money, the Indian Affairs must have billions hiding in the basement.

Funding comes from other government agencies such as Health Canada etc, too. This money isn't given to the band council or cheif, it's given to the person who wrote the funding proposal. I worked for the Mental Health Advisory Services, a branch under Health Canada - as long as the programs were designed to benefit the well being of aboriginals, the proposal would be considered for funding, regardless of who wanted to implement the program.

 

[I think not]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

In some regions yes. They also don't have the social support networks that exist within their communities.

Whereas I'm sure this will be true in some instances, I highly doubt it is widespread. I still believe they have every chance afforded to any other citizen. Like I said, I believe their representatives are to blame for this, they are not giving their people the proper incentive to fend for themselves so to speak. If you constantly give to someone without encouraging them to stand on their own two feet, they will eventually fall into depression and have no desire to do anything, I have personally witnessed this out West and in Alaska.

There are reasons for this. Many prefer a combination of traditional medicines combined with new treatments. Not many non-native doctors are willing to practice medicine in this manner. And quite frankly, many of their natural remedies are much more effective than what your doctor will perscribe.

Holistic medicine and heeling is also not very big within the traditional medical establishment, nor do doctors want to go out and work in rural areas. That is a problem both off reserves and on, in Canada too.

Well this makes sense and never occured to me, I don't doubt natural remedies can be better than medication, however the fact remains they have a preference and they do not have the availability of these treatments because of it.

We're basically back to square one, they've had two generations (at least in the US) to show some sign of motivation and they haven't, I'm sure the reasons are more complex than just blaming their representatives or the feds. In any case, I still do not support favoring one group or minority over another, to do so implies preferential treatment and that in essence is racism.

 

[Said1]

Re: ABORIGINAL WATERS: A SLOW BOIL

[

Whereas I'm sure this will be true in some instances, I highly doubt it is widespread. I still believe they have every chance afforded to any other citizen. Like I said, I believe their representatives are to blame for this, they are not giving their people the proper incentive to fend for themselves so to speak. If you constantly give to someone without encouraging them to stand on their own two feet, they will eventually fall into depression and have no desire to do anything, I have personally witnessed this out West and in Alaska.

Well, I agree with you there. I also didn't say all have trouble adapting.

Well this makes sense and never occured to me, I don't doubt natural remedies can be better than medication, however the fact remains they have a preference and they do not have the availability of these treatments because of it.

They tend to not be as responsive to thing like anit-biotics, often developing alergies and other reactions.

I also said there is a general lack of doctors willing to work on reserves and in rural areas as well, regardless of their medical practices or race. Having preferences does not mean they have refused non-native doctors from practicing medicine either, we only know that they prefer native doctors because of t heir understanding of native culture with resepect to health and well being.

The quality of education is possibly relative the number of native doctors too - since there is so little motivation to excel.

We're basically back to square one, they've had two generations (at least in the US) to show some sign of motivation and they haven't, I'm sure the reasons are more complex than just blaming their representatives or the feds. In any case, I still do not support favoring one group or minority over another, to do so implies preferential treatment and that in essence is racism.

Like I said, they are hardly favored, the Native Adoption Program supposedly ended in the late 1960's, for the most part, their just beginning to realize their potential.