Kitigan Zibi, formerly known as Maniwaki, Quebec is at the confluence of the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers. Surrounded by rivers and lakes, it's the traditional territory of the Anishinabeg and Algonquin people. And it's here that residents face challenges from the presence of uranium and radium in their water. Health Canada's response to the testing was to issue a "No Water Consumption" order and institute a delivery program of water in heavy plastic carboys, a solution not entirely practical for everyone's needs.
Chief Gilbert Whiteduck and community members worked together to create a centralized water system that connects 40% of the residents to a secure water system. The rest of the community receives its water from wells. Community members give a tour of their waste-water treatment plant. They ensure the water they use is properly treated before it's returned to the river and are concerned that industrial projects in their territory such as clear-cut logging and mining are more concerned with economics than long-term protection of the land.
Titles included in this series:
Without Running Water, Part 1 (22 minutes)
Without Running Water, Part 2 (22 minutes)
Kahnawake Waters, Part 1 (22 minutes)
Kahnawake Waters, Part 2 (22 minutes)
Tribal Journey, Part 1: Paddle to Sqaxin (22 minutes)
Tribal Journey, Part 2: Nala Winds (22 minutes)
Tribal Journey, Part 3: Kwumut Lelum (22 minutes)
Tribal Journey, Part 4: Maori Waka, Dugout Canoe and Birch Bark (22 minutes)
Tribal Journey, Part 5: The Village Welcome (22 minutes)
Tribal Journey, Part 6: Landings and Protocol (22 minutes)
Every Year the Salmon Come Back (22 minutes)
Drinking from my Mother's Well (22 minutes)
For more information about the series visit www.samaqan.ca
