A group of First Nations will be launching a campaign to confirm their right to safe drinking water.
Alberta First Nations launched a 2014 action in federal court seeking confirmation to safe drinking water. At the time the action was put on hold as the parties entered negotiations. A recent First Nations meeting was held to discuss coordination of legal action and related efforts.
“Canada supported a UN resolution in 2010 recognizing the right to safe and clean drinking water as a human right that is essential to the full enjoyment of life and all human rights. But all this posturing at the U.N. has not translated into action at home,” said Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band.
Ermineskin Cree Nation will be presenting to the Assembly of First Nations Water Symposium in late November to encourage other First Nations to push for recognition of their right to safe drinking water.
