Attawapiskat

Attawapiskat Human Rights and Housing Problems

The problems within Attawapiskat are not very complicated, but the responsibility to solve these problems are. The very obvious problem is in housing and quality of life of natives; more than 100 people have been living in wood-frame tents, repurposed garages and sheds, and two large trailers that were donated by the De Beers mining. Another issue is the lack of a school for the children of this settlement. Unfortunately this community is also troubled with alcoholism, a problem that was introduced by the DeBeers mining company after 2005.

The entire community is falling apart now and everyone is desperate to find someone to hold responsible so that they can be saved. Though not legally bound to help the native reserve the federal government claimed to have already sent $90 million dollars to Attawapiskat and blames local band council for misusing the money and taking much f it for themselves. The Council has responded claiming that they never received the money that they were promised.

The provincial government is technically responsible for education within its province but is not willing to pay for Attawapiskat's new school because the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is responsible for education of First Nations. However the department does not feel they have enough power or money to get anything done without the help of the government.

At the same time DeBeers has made promises that they have not kept. An Impact Benefit Agreement was signed in 2005 by both Attawapiskat community members and De Beers Canada outlining financial compensation, training and job opportunities for aboriginals and additional building materials, if available, would be given to the community. Blockades were set up Feb 6 when community felt De Beers was not living up to the agreements set out in an impact benefit agreement (IBA) signed by the mining company and the community : zero tolerance for racism and discrimination, pay equity, a new school, and housing in the community.

The community's pleas for new school and for support have been ignored by all parties involved. Is Canada doing the First Nation's wrong by not paying millions more? We have done great injustices to our natives like many other nations have to their own, but is it a corporation this time and are they responsible?


       

Still waiting in Attawapiskat: Will Canada fail the next generation of Fisrt Nations students -Canadian Geographic