The Kaschechwan First Nation is facing a water crisis, leading families to manage with just one case of water bottles daily. Keisha Paulmartin, a 15-year-old resident, highlighted the challenge faced by households with multiple families or many children who often find the supply insufficient.
Chief Hosea Wesley of Kashechewan First Nation declared a local state of emergency on Jan. 4 due to the deteriorating condition of the community’s water treatment and wastewater facilities. The crisis began when the water treatment plant’s pumps failed in early December, resulting in the inability to mix chemicals for water treatment. Subsequently, the wastewater treatment plant also encountered issues with raw sewage intake.
Residents like Paulmartin expressed frustration at the reliance on water bottles for daily needs, emphasizing the hardship of the situation. Sinclair Williams, another resident, condemned the unacceptable conditions, pointing out the basic necessities like water that are taken for granted elsewhere.
To address the crisis, around 35 vulnerable residents were evacuated to Timmins on Jan. 7, with additional flights chartered to Kapuskasing the following day to accommodate more evacuees. The community leaders are collaborating with federal and provincial authorities for a comprehensive evacuation of all 2,300 residents of Kashechewan, situated along the James Bay coast without permanent road access, necessitating air evacuations.
Despite the community’s familiarity with evacuations due to seasonal flooding along the Albany River, individuals like Paulmartin and Petersen Spence highlighted the disruption caused by the situation. Spence, a member of Kashechewan’s Youth Leadership Group, shared his experiences of annual evacuations and the challenges faced during the relocation process.
As efforts are made to repair the water treatment plant by Northern Waterworks personnel, the community awaits updates on the completion of the necessary repairs from Indigenous Services Canada. The uncertainty surrounding the situation has left residents and their loved ones anxious about the duration and impact of the ongoing crisis.