$3.2M for First Nations Projects Announced

Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, has announced an investment of approximately $7 million to assist 11 First Nations with 17 capital infrastructure projects including water and wastewater infrastructure, road construction and maintenance and emergency management throughout the Atlantic Region.

Approximately $3.2 million is dedicated to water and wastewater projects in First Nation communities and includes these projects:

• Sheshatshiu Innu Nation – Water and sewer lot development
• Chapel Island First Nation – Water tank maintenance
• Eskasoni First Nation – Upgrades to sewage system
• Pabineau First Nation – Water storage and system upgrades
• Eel Ground First Nation – Replacement of water/sewer asbestos lines and upgrades to lift-stations
• Abegweit First Nation – Water and wastewater improvements and generators for water system
• Pictou Landing First Nation – Water system repairs

“The Atlantic Chiefs, Councils, and First Nation communities are encouraged by the announcement of these 17 Atlantic capital infrastructure investments and are grateful to the Minister for this much needed support,” said Chief Peter-Paul. “Many First Nation communities throughout Canada are severely lacking in the basic road, water, sanitation, and emergency management infrastructure necessary to adequately address the rising health and safety needs of their burgeoning populations. It is our sincere hope that continued investments, like these, will be made in First Nations throughout Canada in an effort to address the current and future infrastructure requirements of our communities.”

Funding for these infrastructure projects is provided through INAC’s Capital and Facilities Maintenance Program and is in addition to the $46 million provided in 2009-2010 from this program for First Nations Infrastructure, including funds for one school and three water projects under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.