Governments of Canada and Alberta partner with Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation to improve water infrastructure

ALEXIS NAKOTA SIOUX NATION, AB – The governments of Canada and Alberta in partnership with the Alexis Sioux Nakota Nation, announced the construction of a new regional water line and water infrastructure ensuring a safe and secure water supply for the community now and into the future.

The project will connect the Nation to the West Inter Lake District regional water supply system in addition to constructing a potable water supply line, pump house and treated water reservoir. The Government of Canada plans to invest approximately $10 million to support the completion of the project. This project is part of the Canada’s commitment of $1.8 billion over five years for water and wastewater.

“Our government is committed to providing safe, clean and reliable drinking water. We are proud to work in partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, to implement a long-term solution that will support the health and wellbeing of the community. Today’s announcement means that soon Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation will be able to do something that the rest of us take for granted every day – a basic life necessity – access to running water,” said Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

The Alberta government is investing $7.15 million to complete the Alexis Nakota Sioux water tie-in project connecting the regional water system to the reserve. This project is part of Alberta’s $100 million commitment over four years to ensure Alberta First Nations have access to clean and safe drinking water.

“It’s evident that our natural water source is at risk and a water line would be essential to help protect this precious resource for future generations. After working to develop partnerships with all levels of government, they have taken this positive step to ensure my community and other communities will have access to clean, sustainable drinking water,” said Chief Tony Alexis, Alexis of Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.

Quick Facts

• As part of our long-term strategy, the Government of Canada is working with First Nations on sustainable approaches to provide safe drinking water for communities, and to prevent new long-term advisories from happening.
• Budget 2016 provides $1.8 billion over five years to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation, maintenance, and support the training of water system operators, in addition to $141.7 million over five years to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve.
• Committing investments over five years allows for long-term planning to improve on-reserve water and wastewater systems.

SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada