Disapproval voiced on INAC's approach on safe drinking water.

Alberta chiefs have joined others across the country in voicing their disapproval with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's approach to legislative changes to safe drinking water on reserves.

At issue is INAC's focus on treated water and hints of endorsing water safety regulations from the provinces.

But INAC is only looking at provincial or territorial provisions that could be adapted into federal water regulations, said Patricia Valladao, spokesperson for INAC. "The legislative approach proposed by the federal government would not put First Nations under provincial or territorial jurisdiction."

Earlier this spring, INAC began holding engagement sessions, inviting chiefs, Elders and water technicians, across the country to look at legislation concerning water safety. Those sessions have not been met with open arms.

In Alberta, the dozen chiefs in attendance refused to discuss the issue with INAC.

"We told them we're not having this meeting, that we can't discuss this without the rest of our colleagues," said Rose Laboucan, chief of Driftpile First Nation in northern Alberta.

Laboucan said the chiefs took exception to INAC's scheduling of the meeting. It would have been more appropriate, she said, to have held the meeting as part of a session during the annual Assembly of Treaty Chiefs meeting in May.

"The government did respect the request of the participants who wanted ... to end the sessions earlier than they were probably predicted to," said Valladao.

Drinking water is a major concern across the country.

Over 90 per cent of reserves do not have safe drinking water, said Sue Peterson, administrator for the Safe Drinking Water Foundation, in Saskatoon. Councils approach her nonprofit organization to arrange for testing after they notice skin rashes, high incidences of infant mortality, or illnesses.

Saddle Lake First Nation's had its water tested through SDWF and through those findings council issued a boil water advisory for its residents in May 2004. The advisory is still in effect, but is expected to be lifted when Saddle Lake's new water plant comes on line, said Tony Steinhauer, program manager for community water and sanitation. Steinhauer is a founding member of the Advanced Aboriginal Water Treatment Team, which was created by SDWF.

While Driftpile no longer has a boil water advisory in place, for 10 years off and on Driftpile residents were required to boil their water. "We've struggled for the upkeep and maintenance of our plant and we've had safe drinking water from the tap for the past three years," said Laboucan.

There are a number of reasons why safe drinking water remains an issue with First Nations, said Steinhauer. Health Canada, Environment Canada and INAC all share responsibility in various aspects of water quality, which begins at the source and ends at the tap. Because band and council don't have the funding to do the appropriate testing, they rely on the federal government. "It's important to test your way to safe drinking water," stressed Steinhauer.

"We would like to see water safety addressed in a holistic way, so we're looking at all aspects," added Laboucan. "We need to maintain that process so it's on a continuous basis."

Chiefs in Ontario are calling for an assessment of all water-related infrastructure in all First Nations, to be followed by remedial action needed to upgrade the infrastructure. Only after those first two steps are taken can talks be held about addressing standards to ensure water safety is maintained.

Valladao said engagement sessions are only one tool INAC is using to get feedback from First Nations regarding legislative changes. INAC will also be looking at other material provided by First Nations, and will then determine how to move forward with proposed legislation.

SHARI NARINE

Sweetgrass Writer