'Honouring the Water' Star Blanket Cree Nation opens new state-of-the-art water treatment plant
Calvin Starr (left) and Tyrone Starr (right), certified operators of the Star Blanket water treatment plant.
Photos courtesy of ISC.
Star Blanket Cree Nation achieved a monumental milestone in July 2024 with the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art water treatment plant. This achievement stands as a testament to the community's unwavering dedication to ensuring access to safe, clean drinking water for its 300 residents. The new facility, which features advanced biological filtration and membrane treatment technologies, now delivers a reliable water supply to all homes and community buildings on the reserve.
Chief Michael Starr expressed profound pride and hope in describing the community's accomplishment, which includes lifting the boil water advisory that had been in place for 17 years:
"The completion and opening of our new water treatment plant brings great pride as we announce the lifting of the boil water advisory. Water is essential to all Life. This memorable moment in our history aligns with our traditions and beliefs. We honour the Water and what it represents to our community. We can now use the water feeling comfort knowing the water is clean and safe to consume."
The $10.5 million investment in this critical infrastructure goes beyond merely providing clean water. It encompasses a long-term vision for sustainability, including a 3-year training program for water treatment operators. This proactive approach ensures that Star Blanket Cree Nation will maintain access to safe, clean drinking water for generations to come. This project is a crucial step on the path to reconciliation, serving as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through collaboration, determination, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
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"The completion of our new water treatment plant is a crucial step towards honouring the inherent right to clean and safe drinking water. After years of living under a water advisory, this memorable moment in history represents a significant victory in our ongoing environmental justice and self-determination advocacy. We remain keen in our commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our people."
- Chief Michael Starr, Star Blanket Cree Nation
Star Blanket Cree Nation Chief Michael Starr and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, having a glass of water during a tour of the new water treatment plant, which will provide clean drinking water to all residents.
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron joined the celebration, highlighting the significance of this event for the entire region.
Certified water operator Tyrone Starr received specialized training to ensure proper monitoring and testing safeguarding the community's water supply. Water operators like Tyrone play a critical role in their community's health and well-being by protecting the water residents use every day.
At a community event in July 2024 celebrating the opening of Star Blanket Cree Nation's new water treatment plant, Tribal Chief Jeremy Fourhorns of the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; Star Blanket Cree Nation Chief Michael Starr; Tim Green from the Project Management team; Nathan Friesen of Westridge Construction; and Director of Operations Sheldon Poitras announced the lifting of the long-term drinking water advisory in place since 2007.
Certified water operator Tyrone Starr gives a tour of the new plant to the media.
The new water treatment plant helps protect the community from future drinking water advisories. Star Blanket Cree Nation is located roughly 90 km northeast of Regina, Saskatchewan.