APTN News will have live coverage of the Assembly of First Nations’ Special Chiefs Assembly starting on Dec. 2.

Chiefs are preparing to meet in Ottawa for the Assembly of First Nations’ Special Chiefs Assembly.

"It’s hard to imagine how this could get worse, but your government seems to have achieved a new low by denying our human right to safe drinking water and taking money from First Nations’ essential services to pay for Canada’s own liabilities…"

The outgoing chief of Siksika First Nation addressed Prime Minister Mark Carney before leaving office.
‘”Canada’s record on First Nations” safe drinking water is a national shame and an ongoing violation of the most basic human rights,’ said former chief Ouray Crowfoot.

The Liberals, under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, introduced Bill C-61 in response to the agreement. The government promoted it as a historic piece of legislation recognizing Section 35 rights to self-government over water on reserve lands.

The Assembly of First Nations says it hasn’t been consulted on proposed water legislation.
‘The AFN has advocated for the introduction of water legislation but has not heard anything concrete from the government.’

The settlement also includes a commitment to introduce legislation to uphold the right to clean water and support First Nations in developing their own by-laws. But there’s been no public movement on the water file since.

The $8-billion settlement includes $1.5 billion in individual compensation, $6 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure, and $400 million for a First Nation economic and cultural restoration fund.

The lawyer representing the First Nations has a warning for Ottawa.

The communities eventually reached an agreement with Ottawa that included the need to pass a law protecting First Nations water rights.
But despite promises from Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, they’re still waiting.