Living Conditions in Attawapiskat Ontario
Children in their home in Attawapiskat
The living conditions on some of Ontario's First Nations reserves are horrible. If you were living on a Reserve, you would feel like you were living in third world conditions. First of all, many homes do not have running water, electricity, or heat. A survey concluded that 5,000 new homes are needed on 49 First Nation Reserves across Ontario. The homes have mould growing in the walls and ceilings, posing serious health risks and many homes have no access to clean drinking water.
In Attawapiskat, where living conditions are among the most dismal, residents get sick frequently because despite the cold weather, they don't have heated tents or houses. Approximately 8,000 homes on Reserves are overcrowded which also contributes to poor health and airborne illnesses such as tuberculosis spread quickly. So far the government has contributed $500,000 for emergency measures to care for the citizens, but more long-term solutions are needed. There are many successful First Nations people that have overcome these great challenges and we hope that by improving access to education, more children will grow up with the tools they need to continue to improve the lives of their people and preserve their rich cultural heritage.
In Attawapiskat, where living conditions are among the most dismal, residents get sick frequently because despite the cold weather, they don't have heated tents or houses. Approximately 8,000 homes on Reserves are overcrowded which also contributes to poor health and airborne illnesses such as tuberculosis spread quickly. So far the government has contributed $500,000 for emergency measures to care for the citizens, but more long-term solutions are needed. There are many successful First Nations people that have overcome these great challenges and we hope that by improving access to education, more children will grow up with the tools they need to continue to improve the lives of their people and preserve their rich cultural heritage.