Neskantaga First Nation

Neskantaga First Nation in Ontario is home to 374 people living on reserve. The First Nation has been leading a project to upgrade their water treatment system in order to end the long-term drinking water advisory, with funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

There is 1 long-term drinking water advisory affecting 76 households and 6 community buildings:

• a boil water advisory for the Neskantaga Public Water System was set in February 1995 and became long-term in February 1996

Construction of the water treatment system is substantially complete and the system was commissioned in December 2020, however, some deficiencies remain. A comprehensive action plan is in place and work is underway to address outstanding issues. As part of this action plan, the community has started replacing its hot water tanks, and the work should be finished by fall 2026.

ISC is providing funding for the Ontario Clean Water Agency to provide full-time operational oversight of the water system and to train local operators. ISC is also supporting the community to undertake a Water Systems Infrastructure Assessment to identify needs to ensure system suitability for long-term community growth.

ISC continues to work with Neskantaga First Nation towards the long-term goal of community members trusting the water in the community. To support the First Nation-led "Trust the Taps" initiative, ISC has provided funding for the development of a community healing plan and additional mental wellness program supports. The community healing plan will provide community-driven solutions to meet the unique wellness needs of Neskantaga First Nation members.