ABSTRACT
First Nations approach the environment holistically in that their viewpoint encompasses the environment both physically and spiritually. First Nations require construction of multi-million dollar water treatment plants that use coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination to deliver safe drinking water. Training, on a national level, has been inadequate and haphazard, at best. The end result is that the health of First Nation communities is at risk due to improperly maintained water treatment equipment and poorly trained operators. The Assembly of First Nations would be responsible for all dealings with First Nations organizations and communities, while Health Canada’s role would be to work with other government departments and agencies to inform them, and to enlist their support. As part of the funding requirement, the communities and the program were to be evaluated by the Saskatchewan Water Corporation’s circuit rider supervisory staff.
