SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER FIRST NATION TO BUILD $10 MILLION WATER TREATMENT FACILITY

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BRANTFORD, ONTARIO (November 23, 2005) - The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced his support for the Village of Ohsweken’s new $10 million water treatment facility.

“Announcements such as this show the Government of Canada’s continued progress towards improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people, something we committed to in the October 2004 Speech from the Throne, and at the April 2004 Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable,” said Minister Scott. “Over and above today's $10 million project, this year and next, INAC Ontario Region will provide funding for 72 smaller water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades throughout the province.”

In May 2003, the Government of Canada announced $600 million in new funding under the First Nations Water Management Strategy (FNWMS). The strategy is designed to improve the delivery of clean and safe water, as well as wastewater treatment services to First Nations all across Canada. In total, the Government of Canada is providing more than $1.6 billion over a five year period for water and wastewater projects in First Nation communities across Canada.

“Following my meeting with Ministers Scott and Fontana, I see this announcement as an important step in responding to the water situation at the Village of Ohsweken,” said Lloyd St. Amand, Member of Parliament for Brant.“ I will continue to work with Minister Scott in developing a response to the water needs of residents not served by this water treatment plant.”

Since May 2003, INAC Ontario Region has provided a total of $67.2 million for 54 major plant upgrades or replacements which are currently under design, construction, or completed in 45 First Nation communities.

"We have a growing population on our territory, 1200 people on a 10-year waiting list for new homes and housing repairs,” said David General, Elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River. “We have been working with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs to replace the existing water treatment plant for a few years and we welcome the Minister’s announcement as a first step to resolving our water and housing problems."

Six Nations of the Grand River has an on-reserve membership in excess of 10,000, and is located adjacent to Brantford, Ontario. The planned investment addresses the community's water treatment plant. Private wells remain the responsibility of the individual owner or the Band Council.

For more information on the water situation at Six Nations of the Grand River, please see attached Backgrounder: Six Nations of the Grand River water situation.

For more information, please contact:

Brock Worobel
Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(416) 973-2158