Safe Water Project

Media Report & Media Stories

Last updated: August 20th, 2015 Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

Safe Water Project Open House August 12, 2015 Media Report

Background

The following media report has been prepared for Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) following the Safe Water Project Open House on August 12, 2015. It contains information about the (pre-event) media outreach work that was completed to raise awareness of and generate interest in the Open House, as well as the coverage that the Open House generated across various media outlets (post-event).

Social Media Facebook

Summary of activity We created a Facebook page for KO, and from that page we created the Open House event page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Keewaytinook- Okimakanak/1468334400133422

We shared the event page to a number of Facebook pages, including Blue Dot (a water rights movement connected to the David Suzuki Foundation), the Manitoba Eco Network, and Ottawa Life Magazine. We also sent the link and a poster advertising the Open House to the Municipality of Dryden, where it was shared to the Discover Dryden Facebook page.

The number of Facebook users who directly engaged with event page was as follows: The event page reached 39 The event page was viewed by 20 The event page received 3 “likes” The poster reached 57 The poster received one “like”

After the Open House, we thanked organizations on Facebook that had supported or covered the event by tagging them and where applicable, sharing articles they had Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015 posted on the Safe Water Project. These include Discover Dryden, Chiefs of Ontario, and NewsNetLedger. We also used the hashtag “#SafeWaterProject”.

The number of “likes” on pages where the event page or KO page were shared include: Blue Dot Movement: 2,607 Blue Dot Winnipeg: 584 Manitoba Eco Network: 1,649 Up North CBC: 2,463 NewsNetLedger: 4,601 Discover Dryden: 824 Ottawa Life: 2,187 Chiefs of Ontario: 649

Twitter

Summary of activity We tweeted to a number of media outlets, water agencies and First Nations organizations in advance of the Open House to try and generate awareness of and interest in the event, and included a link to the invitation poster in the tweet.

After the Open House, we searched Twitter using the terms such as “Safe Water Project”, “Keewaytinook Okimakanak”, “Northern Chiefs Council,” and “First Nations Water” and found the following tweets related to the Project and Open House.

Included with each organization that tweeted (below) is a brief self-description of that organization, as well as the number of followers they have on Twitter that may have seen their tweet related to the Safe Water Project.

Ottawa Life Magazine @ottawalifers Ottawa Life Magazine - providing provocative, informative and entertaining information about life in Canada’s Capital. Join us in discovering Ottawa!

Followers: 10,100

Ottawa Life Magazine @ottawalifers Aug 7 The # SafeWaterProject is minimizing boil #water advisories in #Ontario ! @KO_Knet @IsabellaTatar @CouncilofCDNs

Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

Up North @UpNorthCBC Up North is an afternoon show that shares the stories of people living in northern Ontario. Broadcasting 4-6 pm EST/3-5 CST Monday - Friday on CBC Radio One

Followers: 4,146

Up North @UpNorthCBC Aug 15 ICYMI: Northern Chiefs Council showcase Safe Water Project

Up North @UpNorthCBC Aug 12 Northern Chiefs Council showcase Safe Water Project

Chiefs of Ontario @ChiefsofOntario The Chiefs in Ontario, comprising the 133 First Nations in Ontario, is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action and advocacy.

Followers: 8,174

Chiefs of Ontario @ChiefsofOntario Aug 12 NEWS: Keewaytinook Okimakanak demonstrates approach to resolving drinking water issues

Chiefs of Ontario @ChiefsofOntario Aug 12 ORC @ChiefDay greeting attendees at Safe Water Project Open House hosted by Keewatinook Okimakanak in Dryden.

Regional Chief Isadore Day @ChiefDay Regional Chief of Ontario #Wiindawtegowinini . Family, Community, Treaty Enforcement & moving First Nation Jurisdiction: clear targets to which I’m responsible.

Followers: 7,120

Isadore Day @ChiefDay Aug 12 @GregRickford @KO_Knet In congratulating the success or the Safe Drinking Water initiative; we must also find ways to sustain #HumanCapacity

Isadore Day @ChiefDay Aug 12 Congratulations to the Chiefs of Keewatinook Okimakanak for your vision and foresight on #SafeDrinkingWater

Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

Isadore Day retweeted Isabella Tatar @IsabellaTatar Aug 12 Inspiring words from @ChiefDay at the @KO_Knet #SafeWaterProject Open House re eliminating boil water advisories in First Nation communities

Greg Rickford @GregRickford Conservative candidate seeking re-election for the Great Kenora Riding. Authorized by the Official Agent for Greg Rickford.

Followers: 1,487

Greg Rickford @GregRickford Aug 12 @KO_Knet #SafeWaterProject Open House with @ChiefDay, Mayor Craig Nuttall and Barry Strachan

Greg Rickford @GregRickford Aug 12 Thrilled to take part in the @KO_Knet # SafeWaterProject Open House today in #Dryden

Greg Rickford retweeted Isabella Tatar @IsabellaTatar Aug 12 Today @KO_Knet is hosting an Open House today on its #SafeWaterProject - which is helping address First Nation drinking water issues #onpoli

NetNewsLedger @NetNewsLedger Thunder Bay News http://NetNewsledger.com offers news, information, opinions and positive ideas for Thunder Bay, Ontario, and for Northwestern Ontario.

Followers: 2,907

NetNewsLedger @NetNewsLedger Aug 13 Safe Water Project Minimizing and Preventing Boil Water Advisories

NetNewsLedger @NetNewsLedger Aug 14 Safe and Clean Water Must be a Priority – Ontario Regional Chief Day: Chief Isadore Day

NetNewsLedger @NetNewsLedger Aug 14 Safe Drinking Water is a priority - Ontario Regional Chief #water #un #tbay #ottawa #cdnpoli

Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

Kimberly Stinson @kjstinson Journalist & media trainer back in Canada after 2+ years in AFG. Now w/ Journalists for Human Rights as coordinator & trainer for Indigenous Reporters Program.

Followers: 1,053

Kimberly Stinson @kjstinson Aug 13 Safe Water Project Minimizing and Preventing Boil Water Advisories in First Nations communities http://t.co/2Ca89Ma0qF

ChronicleJournal @CJ_ThunderBay The Newspaper of the Northwest

Followers: 2,334

ChronicleJournal @CJ_ThunderBay Aug 15 Project aiming to prevent bad water quality

Water News Global @WaterTrends Global Water News; Canadian Perspective

Followers: 1,825

Water News Global @WaterTrends Aug 14 CANADA ONTARIO: Safe Water Proj Minimizing & Preventing Boil Water Advisories for #FirstNations northern communities

Water News Global @WaterTrends Aug 14 CANADA ELECTION 2015: #FirstNation chief challenges Fed Candidates on Safe & Clean Water as Priority

Canada First Nations @FirstNationsRR Live Content Curated by top Canadian First Nations Rights Activists & Influencers

Followers: 5,671

Canada First Nations @FirstNationsRR Aug 13 Safe Water Project minimizing, preventing boil water advisories in Ontario First Nations communities

Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

Centre for the North @CFN_ Team We collaborate with Northerners to deliver cutting-edge research and initiate discussions on issues critical to the North. Part of @ConfBoardofCda

Followers: 1,548

Centre for the North retweeted NetNewsLedger @NetNewsLedger Aug 14 Safe Drinking Water is a priority - Ontario Regional Chief

Hello Thunder Bay! @HelloTBay Follow what is happening in and around Thunder Bay, ON. Want YOUR tweets to be heard? Use the hashtag #TBay to include your tweets in our feed.

Followers: 4,043

Hello Thunder Bay! @HelloTBay Aug 14 .@NetNewsLedger : Safe Drinking Water is a priority - Ontario Regional Chief

Métis Federation CND @metisfederation Non-profit Aboriginal organization launched 2013 to unite Métis coast to coast

Followers: 2,048

Métis Federation CND @metisfederation Aug 14 ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF DAY CALLS ON ALL FEDERAL PARTIES TO TARGET 0% BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN ALL FIRST NATIONS

Press Coverage

Summary Stories about the Safe Water Project and the Open House got good coverage in local media outlets. There was interest in the story from some national news organizations, including The Globe and Mail, but many journalists were occupied with election coverage. However, these outlets and journalists will consider covering future stories relating to the Safe Water Project and wish to remain informed of Project developments. The press release issued by KO on the day of the Open House was featured on several local websites.

Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

The following information details the list of articles about the Safe Water Project and websites that posted the KO press release or KO invitation poster.

Direct Results These results are tagged, and can be generated in a Google search using the keywords “Safe Water Project Dryden”, “Safe Water Project Dryden 2015”, and “Safe Water Project Open House”.

Title: Safe Water Project Minimizing and Preventing Boil Water Advisories Date: August 13, 2015 Publication Type: News Article Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Net News Ledger Journalist/Writer: None listed Link: http://www.netnewsledger.com/2015/08/13/safe-water-project- minimizing-and-preventing-boil-water-advisories/#sthash.xE91vRKC.dpuf

Title: The Safe Water Project: Clean Water for the Community Date: August 7, 2015 Publication Type: News Article Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Ottawa Life Magazine Journalist/Writer: Kate Tenenhouse Link: http://www.ottawalife.com/2015/08/the-safe-water-project-clean-water-for- the-community/#sthash.0SDT5pBy.dpuf

Title: Safe Water Project Open House Date: Not listed Publication Type: KO press release Newspaper/Journal/Organization: CKDR Journalist/Writer: N/A Link: http://www.ckdr.net/event/safe-water-project-open-house

Title: Safe Water Project (Open House) Date: August 5, 2015 Publication Type: KO press release Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Keewaytinook Okimakanak Link: http://www.kochiefs.ca/node/73

Title: Project aiming to prevent bad water quality Date: August 15, 2015 Publication Type: News article Newspaper/Journal/Organization: The Chronicle Journal Journalist/Writer: Sandi Krasowski Link: http://www.chroniclejournal.com/news/local/project-aiming-to-prevent- bad-water-quality/article_49fa9738-4308-11e5-a614-f30e14f01f7f.html Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

Title: Safe Water Project Minimizing and Preventing Boil Water Advisories (original article from NewsNet Ledger – repost) Date: August 14, 2015 Publication Type: News article Newspaper/Journal/Organization: NationTalk (reposting) Link: http://nationtalk.ca/story/safe-water-project-minimizing-and-preventing- boil-water-advisories-net-newsledger

Title: Safe Water Project Open House (hosted by KO Chiefs Council) Date: August 12, 2015 Publication Type: KO press release Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Allevents.in Link: http://allevents.in/dryden/safe-water-project-open-house-hosted-by-kochiefs-council/1635054356769274

Title: Project aiming to prevent bad water quality (original article from The Chronicle Journal – repost) Date: n.d. Publication Type: News article (repost) Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Northwestern Ontario Destinations Link: http://www.nwontdestinations.ca/page/dryden-ontario.html

Title: Northern Chiefs Council showcase Safe Water Project Date: August 12, 2015 Publication Type: Podcast Newspaper/Journal/Organization: CBC Radio Up North Journalist/Writer: Jason Turnbull Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/AudioMobile/Up+North/ID/2673518023/

Title: Work Continues To Improve Water Quality On First Nations Date: August 14, 2015 Publication Type: news post Newspaper/Journal/Organization: 89.5 The Lake (radio) Journalist/Writer: N/A Link: http://www.895thelake.ca/news/1159190412/work-continues-improve- water-quality-first-nations

Title: Safe Water Training Helping Northern First Nations Date: August 13, 2015 Publication Type: news post Newspaper/Journal/Organization: CKDR (radio) Journalist/Writer: N/A Link: http://www.ckdr.net/news/1913812502/safe-water-training-helping- northern-first-nations Prepared by CIITO Strategies Inc. August 18, 2015

Articles that are not tagged/categorized under “Safe Water Project” The following search results required additional Google keywords, for example “Chiefs of Ontario Safe Water Project” or “Chiefs of Ontario Safe Water Project Thunder Bay News”.

Title: Regional Chief challenges federal parties to target zero per cent boil water advisories Date: August 13, 2015 Publication Type: News Article Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Thunder Bay News Watch Journalist/Writer: None listed Link: http://www.tbnewswatch.com/News/374277/Regional_Chief_challenges_federal_p arties_to_target_zero_per_cent_boil_water_advisories

Title: SAFE WATER PROJECT MINIMIZING, PREVENTING BOIL WATER ADVISORIES IN ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES Date: None listed Publication Type: KO press release Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Chiefs of Ontario Journalist/Writer: N/A Link: http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/node/1172

Title: Ontario Regional Chief Day Calls on All Federal Parties to Target 0% Boil Water Advisory in All First Nations Date: August 13, 2015 Publication Type: Chiefs of Ontario press release Newspaper/Journal/Organization: Nation Talk Journalist/Writer: N/A Link: http://nationtalk.ca/story/ontario-regional-chief-day-calls-on-all-federal- parties-to-target-0-boil-water-advisory-in-all-first-nations

Title: Safe and Clean Water Must be a Priority – Ontario Regional Chief Day Date: August 14, 2015 Publication Type: News article Newspaper/Journal/Organization: News Net Ledger Journalist/Writer: James Murray Link: http://www.netnewsledger.com/2015/08/14/safe-and-clean-water-must-be- a-priority-ontario-regional-chief-day/#sthash.DlhUsm0l.dpuf g.l'towa xet MaSaarnl-

You are here: Home " Arts & Events > The Safe Water Projecr Clean Water for the Community The Safe Water Project: Clean Water for the Community August 7,2015 I:00 pm

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Afune: The Keewaytinook Centre of kellerce

All photos courtesy of Keewaytittook Okimalanok

The issue of drinking water and boiling water advisories in First Nations communities has been a prominent concem for many years.

A report releascd by the Council of Canadians indicated thar as ofJanuary 2015 there were 169 drinking water advisories in

126 First Nations communities acrcs Canada-of those 79 were in Ontario.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Ko)-the Tribal Council serving Deer L-ake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, McDowell l-ake, North Spirit l-ake and Poplar Hill First Nations-understood how this issue affects their communities and sought to improve the quality ofdrinking water on reserve.

The Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence provides training to both First Nations and municipal water plant operators, but KO decided to expand tlreir work on this issue by investing in technology that would efliciently monitor the quality of community water on an ongoing basis.

The resulc the Safe Water Project. On August 12, there will be an open trouse at the Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence to raise awareness about the project and illustrate its success thus far.

'"This project is the first of it's kind in Ontario and it's been very well received by the communities," explains Isabella Tatar, president and CEO ofCIITO Strategies Inc. "And so we are hosting this open house in order to make people aware of the project itself." The Safe Water Project in Fort Severn First Nation The quality of water is monitored 24t7 with tests taking place every l0 seconds and reports issrrcd every two minutes. If a contaminant is d€fected, a warning is issued via email or text message.

The water can also be monitored remotely. By logging into a computer from anywhere, you can observe the quality.

"Instead of having (o wait for manual testing to determine if ttrere is a problem, it is giving immediate rcsults and has already had a prctty significant impact on the communities and their confidence in the drinking water system," Tatar explains.

Although the project has only been operating since May, it has already helped to minimize-and even prevent-boil water advisories.

Tatar emphasizes that this open house can be informative and useful beyond First Nations communities.

"This is not an issue just for First Nations communities, the Council of Canadians report was very clear that boil water and drinking water advisories are issues for many communities and many municipalities," she says. "It's a chance for this Tribal Council to demonstrate its success to not only other First Nations communities but also other municipalities as well."

The open house will take place on August 12 between l0 a.m. ard 12 p.m. at the Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence in Dryden, Ont.

For more information, visit kochiefs.ca or go to the open house Facebook page.

Written by: Kate Tenenhouse on August 7,2015. Tags: 169 2015 79 Advisory August 12 boil water boiling water Canada CIITO community computer concem confidence Council of Canadians Deer I-ake drink drinking water drinking water system Dryden email First Nations Fort Severn issue Keewaytinook Okimakanak Keewaywin KO manual McDowell [,ake minimize monitor municipalities North Spirit t-ake OLM Ontario open house Ottawa Poplar Hill Prevent promote quality raise awareness remote report reserve Safe Water Project success Technology testing text message The Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence training Tribal Council Water water plant operators

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Author: Kate Tenenhouse

Kate Tenenhouse is a fourth yearjournalism student at Carleton University. Her passion for art, culture and community often finds its way into her writing.

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30th AnMl Safe Water Project Minimizing and Preventing Boil Water Advisories Thursday, August 20, 2015 Posted 13 August 2015 by NetNewsLedger in Business Whitewater Golf Glub o- 3*1 9 or 18 Holes - ONLY 2 TEAMS LEFT! Registd as a leam of 4 or as an indMdual. 4 lncludB lunch, appetizers, dinmt €rt and prizesl Hol,aITe Sponechip - ONLY 3 LEFT! $200 each. lncludes logo & option to have staff physi€lly presnt on the hole. l CEEE ffitu Mobile Ma rketing is EXPLODING r ilEELq] ls yourwebsite mobile Keewaytinook Okimakanak demonstrates clean water project in Dryden and tablet ready?

Ke ewaytinook Okimakanak re s olving fffi domote,worryless drinking watil rssues DRYDEN, ON - BUSINESS - Keewaytinook Okimakanaktoday demonstrated at an Open House in Dryden on Wednesday, at the Keewaytinook Cenlre of Excellence its latesi water and wastewater initiative, the Safe Water Projecf, which is helping deliver clean, safe drinking water to its First Nation communilies.

'On behalf of our Chiefs, I am pleased to present the Safe Water P@ect, a new and innovative approach that is addressing the challenge of delivering safe, clean drinking water to First Nations ffiiitr communitieg'said Geordi Kakepetum, chief executiye director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak. The

Project is empowering our communities to effectively monitor and manage the quality of their drinking Att YOU Sflltltl(i. tXi ADlL6. or IOOTNG lO gUY A at tlrlt SS, watet and in doing so, is instilling confidence in our water system and hope for future generations. We believe that by demonstrating the success of the Safe Water Project in minimizing and preventing boil water advisories, we can help other communities and municipalities address their own waler issues.'

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Providing clean drinking water for Northem Communities will save money and improve living standards

The Safe Water Projecl involves employing operational personnel to supervise and support local water plant operators and deploying remote water quality monitoring technology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of drinking water. While it is the first of its kind for any Tribal Council in Ontario, the Safe Water Project is just the latest success for Keewaytinook Okimakanak an organization well known for providing a range of services to Aboriginal and norrAboriginal communities in and around Ontario. Stay Social!

About Keewaytinook Okimakanak -' (e 4,599 people like thb. Be the first ol ),our triends Keewaytinook Okimakanah which means Northem Chiefs in Oji-Cree, is a non-political Chiefs Council serving Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, McDowell Lakq North Spirit Lake and Poplar Hill First Nations. The organization is directed by the Chiefs of the member First Nations, who form the Board of Directors. Through its close awareness of community needs and its team approach, the Council 3*1 o Recommend Us On Google advises and assists its member First Nations, and provides services in the areas of health, education, economic development, employment assastanc€, public works, finance and administration, and FolowOnc{nousLdgcr 2,907 lollowBrs communicalions.

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Safe Water Project Open House

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Wednesday,August 12,2015 - 10:00 Dryden

Safe water project open house is Wednesday August 12th from loam - 12pm at the Centre. A demonstration of Keewaytinook Okimakanak's latest water and wastewater initiative addressing boil water advisories and delivering clean, safe drinking water to communities.

Should there be enough intrest, transportation from Thudner Bay to Dryden may be provided.

Please RSVP by August 7th email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected] phone: 647-539-9767

Be Socia!! fl nrtns:rrunrw-facebook.com/CKDR - D ,t I mto=://harit{er-com/ckdrnewsl Be the first to know about breaking local news and contests! NORTHERN CHIEFS COUNCIL Keewavtinook ffi Okimakanak

Safe Water Proiect (Open House) S,.lbnliti€cl i:y derisnar;li r;ri \tJttj, 08iC5i2C I 5 I ;.:'1

You are invited to attend a demonstration of Keewaytinook Okimakanak's (KO) latest water and wastewater initiative, the Safe Water Project, at an Open House on August 12, 2015. You will see how KO is addressing boil water advisories and delivering clean, safe drinking water to communities.

Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence 209 - 100 Casimir Avenue, Dryden, ON

Should there be enough interest, transportation from Thunder Bay to Dryden may be provided.

Please RSVP by August 7,2O15 E: lsabella@ciito-ca P: 647-539-9767

Department Event Date: Wednesday, August 12,201 5 - I0:00 to l2:00 File: 4 SAFE WATER PROIECT lnyite-Ddf (tttpi//kochiefs-ca/sites/defaultlfiles/SAFE%2OWATER!tr2OPROlECT lnvite-odfl

HEAD OFFICE BALMERTOWN OFFICE TWTTER USER LOGIN Fort Severn First Nation Keewayti nook Okimakanak Tweets Fo[qf, Username * Fort Severn, Ontario P.O. Box 340, 8 Mine Road POV I WO Balmertown, Ontario g-*.xO 15May14 Tel: (807) 478-2572 POV 1 CO 'ff*'@xo-rn"t Toll Free #: 1-8OO-387-374Q Ph: 807-735-l 38.| Password '* Fax: (807) 478-1136 Toll Free #: l-800-387-3740 STAFF: Christine Thomas, General Office Fax: (807) 735- Financial Administrator 1 383 Reouest new password Public Works Fax: (80D 735- 15 May 14 I 385 Log in

Tweet to @KO_Knet

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Work Continues To lmprove Water Quality On First Nations Posted on Friday, August 74,2015

Clean drinking water has always been a concern for northern AY Il44 First Nations. Keewaytinook Okimakanak continues to address Orf the issue with high level training at the Dryden Centre. KO Public Works Manager Barry Strachan says their 'Safe Water Project'is an innovative approach to help reduce boilwater advisories. He notes the initiative empowers communities to effectively monitor and manage the quality of drinking water. ,$ilrit$ < Previous (/news/25 5 982762lwa I k- mi le- her-s hoes- next-week) Next r (/news/766267928linfrastructure-funding-announced-two-first-nations) Ckets ,( o,*an'

POLITICAT

RESOURCES ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF DAY CALLS ON ALL FEDERAL PARTIES TO TARGET O% BOILWATER ADVISORY IN ALL FIRST NATIONS

Fort William First Nation (August 13, 2015) --- Ontario Regional Chief lsadore Day is calling on the Federal Parly Leaders to address the lack of clean and safe water in First Nations across Ontario. Currently, there are 67 communities under boil water advisories.

"lt is outrageous to think of how much wealth there is in Canada, yet at the same time thousands of First Nation people do not have access to clean, safe drinking water, a luxury most Canadians take for granted," said Ontario Regional Chief Day. 'We are hearing a lot of promises during this campaign. I want to know what party will be the first to promise 0026 boil water advisory on all First Nations."

Today at Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Keewayruin Conference, Chief Peter Moonias from Neskantaga gave both Ontario Regional Chief lsadore Day and newly-elected Nlshnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler direction to ensure boil water advisories are front and centre in the federal election.

NAN Grand Chief Fiddler posed the question, "What's the difference between a boil water advisory in the City of Winnipeg and a boil water advisory in Neskantaga?" The answer is the boil water advisory in Winnipeg would be solved within a week while the Neskantaga advisory is 23 years old. This is a public health travesty.

Despite the failure on the Federal Government to address this serious problem, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) a Tribal Council in Ontario has launched its own Safe Water Project to address the issue.

The Safe Water Project involves employing operational personnel to supervise and support local water plant operators and deploying remote water quality monitoring technology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of drinking water.

While it is the first for its kind for any Tribal Council in Ontario, the Safe Water Project is just the latest success for KO, an organization well known for providing a range of services to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in and around Ontario. ffi News Video Sports Opinion Arts & Entertainment Obituaries Classifieds LM Contests Photo Gallery

Real Estate Northwest Crime Traffic Community Calendar Energy 1O3 1O4 Weather Financial Literacy Search 2015-08-13 at 16:25 2276 AMETHYST AVENUE t0mr Gourrnr Ercu e $PonT$ Regional Chief challenges federal par-ties to target zero per cent boil water advisories FrRsr NA,',oNs

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POTITICAL

RESOURCES SAFE WATER PROIECT MINIMIZING, PREVENTING BOIL WATER ADVISORIES IN ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIE S

DRYDEN, ON - Keewaytinook Okimakanak today demonstrated at an Open House at the Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence its latest water and wastewater initiative, the Safe Water Project, which is helping deliver clean, safe drinking water to its First Nation communities.

"On behalf of our Chiefs, I am pleased to present the Safe Water Project, a new and innovative approach that is addressing the challenge of delivering safe, clean drinking water to First Nations communities," said Geordi Kakepetum, chief executive director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak. 'The Project is empowering our communities to effectively monitor and manage the quality of their drinking water, and in doing so, is instilling confidence in our water system and hope for future generations. We believe that by demonstrating the success of the Safe Water Project in minimizing and preventing boi! water advisories, we can help other communities and municipalities address their own water issues."

The Safe Water Project involves employing operational personne! to supervise and support local water plant operators and deploying remote water quality monitoring technology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of drinking water. While it is the first of its kind for any Tribal Council in Ontario, the Safe Water Project is just the latest success for Keewaytinook Okimakanak, an organization well known for providing a range of services to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in and around Ontario.

About Keewalrtinook Okimakanak

Keewaytinook Okimakanak, which means Northern Chiefs in Oji-Cree, is a non-political Chiefs Council serving Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, McDowell Lake, North Spirit Lake and Poplar Hil! First Nations. The organization is directed by the Chiefs of the member First Nations, who form the Board of Directors. Through its close awareness of community needs and its team approach, the Council advises and assists its member First Nations, and provides services in the areas of health, education, economic development, employment assistance, public works, finance and administration, and communications. -30-

Contacts

Safe Water Proiect

Barry Strachan

Keewaytinook Okimakanak Public Works Manager

Phone: 807-276-5510

Email: [email protected]

Media lnouiries lsabella Tatar

Phone: 647-539-9767

Email: [email protected]

Files:

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Ontario Regional Chief Day Calls on All Federal Parties to Target 0o/o Boil Water Advisory in AII First Nations by ahnationtalk onAugust 13, 2o1S

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NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF DAY CALIS ONALL FEDERAL PARTIES TO TARGET o%o B,OILWATER ADVISORY IN ALL FIR,ST NATIONS Fort William First Nation (August 18, 2o1S) - Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day is calling on the Federal ParLy Leaders to address the lack of clean and safe water in First Nations across Ontario. Currently, there are 67 communities under boil water advisories.

"It is outrageous to think of how much wealth there is in Canada, yet at the same time thousands of First Nation people do not have access to clean, safe drinking water, a luxury most Canadians take for granted," said Ontario Regional Chief Day. "We are hearing a lot of promises during this campaign. I want to know what party will be the first to promise o%o boil water advisory on all First Nations."

Today at Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Keewaywin Conference, Chief Peter Moonias from Neskantaga gave both Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day and newly-elected Nlshnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief A]vin Fiddler direction to ensure boil water advisories are front and centre in the federal election.

Despite the failure on the Federal Government to address this serious problem, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) a Tribal Council in Ontario has launched its own Safe Water Project to address the issue. The Safe Water Project involves employing operational personnel to supervise and support local water plant operators and deploying remote water quality monitoring technology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of drinking water.

While it is the first for its kind for anyTribal Council in Ontario, the Safe Water Project is just the latest success for KO, an organization well known for providing a range of services to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in and around Ontario.

-3o-

The Chiefs of Ontario is a politicalforum and a secretariatfor collectiue decision making, action, and aduocacy for the g3 First Nafiion communities located usithin the boundaries of the prouince of Ontario, Canada. Follou Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook or Tuitter @ChiefsOfintario.

For more information, please contact: Jamie Monastyrski, Communications Phone: 8o7-69o-7087 - Email: i orlzlie.lnr.ono,sUr ski@ eoo. orglmailto :j amie.monastwski @ coo. org).

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Safe and Clean Water Must be a Priority - H$PPMTT Ontario Regional Chief Day ()ur Kids Count Posted 14 August 2015 by James Murray in Anishinaabe 3*1 o - '-'

Despite the failure on the Federal Govemment to address this seraous problem, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) a Tnbal Council in Ontario has launched ils own Safe Water Project to address the issue. ltrepren€Urcentre.ca Your First Stop for FREE

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KO Safe Water Project brings the security of safe water to Northern c'ommunities in Ontario and beYond

The Safe Water Proiect involves employing operational personnel to supervise and support local water plant operators and deploying remote water quality monitoring technology to assist in the diagnosis I and treatment of drinking water.

Safe Water Saves Tax Dollars

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During the Toys for the North Trip in 2014, NAPS Officers and RCMP Officers unloaded water in Ogoki Post that was flown in from Thunder Bay. l::""'iu":' _

When communities are under boil water orders, often water is flown into the communities throughout Oshki Graduates Celebrate at Goldcorp Musselwhite Mine the year. The cost is massive - in Ogoki Post / Marten Falls over the past 1 5 years millions of dollars have been spent to bring in bottled water. $2.3 million on getting water into the community has been Mussdwhate Mine - the cost for this one community. Bottled water is needed to keep the school open in the community. Business - Graduates from the Oshki mining program celebrated a tirst... I $35,000 in ptires for MNP lffiitxtTalk lh initiative clr.rllenge U :tt !'\l' ;,.ri-,[-.r-,rn!' ])

Safe Water Proiect Minimizing and Preventing Boil Water Advisories - Net Newsledger by ahnationtalk on August L4, 2ols r3 August 2oL5

Keewaytinook Okimakanak resolving drinking water issues DRYDEN, ON - BUSINESS - Keewaytinook Okimakanak today demonstrated at an Open House in Dryden on Wednesday, at the Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence its Iatest water and wastewater initiative, the Safe Water Project, which is helping deliver clean, safe drinking water to its First Nation communities.

"On behalf of our Chiefs, I am pleased to present the Safe Water Project, a new and innovative approach that is addressing the challenge of delivering safe, clean drinking water to First Nations communities," said Geordi Kakepetum, chief executive director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak. "The Project is empowering our communities to effectively monitor and manage the quality of their drinking water, and in doing so, is instilling confidence in our water system and hope for future generations. We believe that by demonstrating the success of the Safe Water Project in minimizing and preventing boil water advisories, we can help other communities and municipalities address their own water issues."

Read More: Mp/_/wurw.netnewsteGer.com/2o1Slg$/ag/safe-water-prqiect-minimizing-- and-nreventins-boil-water-advisories (http:l/www.netnewsledger.com /UtS/@AS/safe-water-project-minimizing-and- preventing-boil-water- advis orie s)-/

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Safe Water Training Helping Northern First Nations Posted on Thursday, August 73,2075

A 'Safe Water Project' based out of Dryden is minimizing and preventing boil water advisories in remote First Nations.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak has been training first nations adults to manage and monitor the quality of drinkingwater. ffi All of the work is being done at the Centre.

KO Public Works Manager Barry Strachan says for far too long they have been reacting to water problems. W Strachan says they are trying to build a bottom up approach, where they are supporting community members to solve their own issues, without intervention from third parties.

He notes by preventing and predicting boil water advisories, the confidence is built up among consumers.

Strachan adds the program instills confidence in the water system and hope for future generations.

He says the initiative empowers communities to effectively monitor and manage the quality of drinking water.

Strachan calls the program the "best kept secret" in water treatment in the region and notes they train roughly 20O-operators annually.

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Project aiming to prevent bad water quality

By Sandi Krasowski, CJ staff I Posted: Saturday, August 15, 2015 6:00 am

A water treatment, training and monitoring project based out of Dryden is working to prevent boil water advisories in remote First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario.

"The Safe Water Project, a new and innovative approach . . . is addressing the challenge of delivering safe, clean drinking water to First Nation communities," Keewaytinook Okimakanak CEO Geordi Kakepetum said this week.

KO's public works manager Barry Strachan outlined the Safe Water Project to news reporters and others gathered at an open house this week at the organization's water treatment training facility in Dryden.

Strachan said the project, which incorporates water treatment plant operator training, water monitoring and deployment of trained employees to member First Nations, has already prevented or shortened two boil water advisories at KO-member First Nations since May.

The project empowers communities to effectively manage their own drinking water through the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of contaminants, and support local water operators and personnel in addressing adverse water quality events as they occur, he said.

"We believe this project . . . is the strategy needed to help remove boil water advisories (in First Nations across the North). There should be no question about the water quality coming out a tap - that is the goal of this project," Strachan said.

Conservative Kenora incumbent Greg Rickford and Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day congratulated the organization (a tribal council serving six First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario) on its work in setting up and implementing the project.

Rickford called KO's training centre in Dryden ooa benchmark for the region and country."

'oYou are focusing on the human capacity side" of clean water delivery, getting more value out of water treatment facilities and providing employment at the same time. ooThis is extraordinary work," Rickford said.

Day added that one of the most pressing issues is safe, clean water in First Nation communities.

"This is fantastic work that's happening here," he said, adding that the Safe Water Project provides a solution to "delivering safer water to our communities."

KO is also working with other tribal councils to try and expand the project to other First Nations communities in Ontario. They have received interest from commtrnities across Canada about its approach, and is interested in making as many people as possible aware of the success that it is having in delivering clean drinking water to its member communities.

According to research by the Council of Canadians, there were at least 1,838 drinking water advisories in Canada as of January 2015. Of these, 169 were in 126 First Nation communities.

Ontario has the highest number of advisories in First Nation colnmunities (79), followed by British Columbia (35), Saskatchewan (24), Alberta(17), the Atlantic (seven) and Quebec (t'wo).