Chief Emily Whetung

Curve Lake First Nation chief says pending water settlement will have meaningful impact for community

Curve Lake First Nation chief says pending water settlement will have meaningful impact for community

Curve Lake First Nation Chief Emily Whetung is optimistic there will soon be clean water in her community following Federal Court approval of a water class action settlement agreement on Dec. 22, which includes a commitment of at least $6 billion for safe drinking water on reserves and $1.5 billion in compensation for individuals deprived of clean drinking water. A 60-day appeal period follows the courts’ approval of the agreement, “so it’s the last piece,” Whetung said.

First Nation community 2 hours from Toronto still doesn’t have clean, running water

First Nation community 2 hours from Toronto still doesn’t have clean, running water

For as long as she’s been alive, Chief Emily Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation says her community has been without clean, running water. “When you live in a place where you have reliable clean drinking water, you put your child in the bathtub and they play around, and they splash, and you don’t worry about it. When you live in a community that has constant water problems, you sit beside your child the entire time and make sure their face doesn’t go in the water,” said Whetung, who added the water is not only unsafe to sip but can be unsafe to the touch. “Many families in my community and others have to watch for skin conditions.”