Updated: Tue Nov. 29 2011 18:57:18

CTVNews.ca Staff

Canada's national Aboriginal chief says the uproar over the squalor in northern Ontario's Attawapiskat community may be a "moment of reckoning" that finally shakes up the way Ottawa deals with First Nations.

As Canadian Red Cross workers arrived in the remote village Tuesday to deliver help, Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo said the situation is the result of systemic problems between Ottawa and Aboriginal communities.

"We gravitate, as Canadians often do, when people are in need," Atleo said, stressing the need for immediate action as the community prepares for a long winter.

"And then lets … start working on the long-term solutions that are required, so that we're not back here talking about this again in a year, two or five years."

Leadership in the First Nations community declared a state of emergency last month to draw attention to the living conditions there, with the public cry for help coming out of frustration with a lack of action from Aboriginal Affairs.

While Atleo thanked the people of Attawapiskat for having the courage to open their homes to the eyes of the country, he wondered if the media attention garnered over the past few days represented a watershed.

"Perhaps this is a moment of reckoning," he said, noting that at least 100 communities scattered across the country are grappling with similar conditions.

In particular, Atleo said leaders "have to smash the status quo" and redraw the relationship, so there is an equal partnership between the federal government and First Nations.

"We are all subject to the paternalistic past of an Indian Act that does not work for anyone," he said.

The state of emergency prompted action from the federal and provincial governments, which have both sent officials to the community.

Faced with a high number of dilapidated and rundown houses, and a lack of funds to repair them, a number of families have been forced to move into tents, uninsulated shacks and trailers left behind by mining crews.

Interim NDP Leader Nicole Turmel travelled to the community and said that she saw "real poverty."

"Seeing what I saw today, is people living in sheds, trailers, no heat, no water, no blankets," Turmel said from Attawapiskat.

Turmel invited Prime Minister Stephen Harper to visit the community and witness the deplorable conditions first-hand.

"We know the Red Cross is coming in, but at the same time, we need houses, we need apartments, we need sewage (systems)," Turmel added.

On Tuesday, the relief workers were delivering essential items to the community, such as generators, heaters, insulated sleeping pads, blankets and winter clothing, said John Saunders from the Red Cross.

He said the agency has been working with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence to determine the immediate needs in the community and to set up a donation system.

Some progress has occurred since the band first declared a state of emergency in the community near James Bay.

Regional Grand Chief Stan Louttit says five families living in tents on the Northern Ontario reserve should be able to move into homes as soon as before Christmas.

New federal funding has allowed the band to begin repairs on several abandoned houses, and Ottawa has pledged up to $2 million if the band comes up with a detailed, feasible plan to build more homes.

However, Louttit said such measures are little more than "band-aid" solutions and don't address the larger issues of chronic overcrowding, poor construction and poverty.

Political reaction

Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae, speaking in question period in the House of Commons, said the situation is due to a "complete failure of federal responsibility with respect to the people who are living in Attawapiskat."

Harper responded that the federal government had spent $90 million on the community of Attawapiskat since coming into office.

"That's over $50,000 for every man, woman and child in the community. Obviously we are not very happy that results do not seem to be achieved with that. We're concerned about that and we have officials looking into it," Harper said.

Rae lashed out angrily at that explanation.

"It would seem the implication of what the prime minister is saying is the people of Attawapiskat are responsible for the problems they are facing," Rae said. "That response is a disgraceful response from the government of Canada. When is the government going to start taking responsibility for the deplorable situation?"

However, a 2010 audit found that there is a lack of oversight on how funds are spent on reserve housing.

"There remain significant gaps to provide assurance that governance, risk-management and control frameworks are adequate to provide a reasonable expectation that funds for on-reserve housing are used for the intended purpose and that outcomes will be achieved," the audit of the Aboriginal Affairs department stated.

Auditors also found that Ottawa wasn't closely tracking their housing projects, and when projects were double-checked, documentation was lax.

The federal government spends about $272 million annually for housing on reserves. In the 2005 budget, $192 million was allotted and in the stimulus program, another $400 million was set aside. Funds flow through Aboriginal Affairs and Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Systemic problems

Dr. Heather Ringrose, a physician who travels to the isolated community once a month, said many of her patients suffer from issues such as respiratory infections and skin infections that are compounded by crowded living quarters and run-down houses.

"As the doctor I'm always asked to write notes for patients who want better housing for health reasons and I know when I've asked if my notes make any difference the answer is always that there's a five-year wait for housing in Attawapiskat," she told CTV News Channel via Skype.

"So some people have had to leave the community because they can't wait that long."

Several communities in the James Bay region are experiencing similar trouble, but First Nations leaders have focused on Attawapiskat because conditions there are the worst.

The elementary school in Attawapiskat was shut down in 2000 due to health and safety concerns, and has not yet been repaired or replaced with a permanent facility.

The community has been waging an online campaign encouraging supporters to write letters to the federal government asking for a new school.

Housing shortages are not a new phenomenon in Aboriginal communities. The Assembly of First Nations estimates 80,000 additional homes are needed in communities across Canada.

The group says nearly half of the existing houses in First Nations communities are substandard and in many cases should be condemned.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Lindsay Gray
Reports say that the community has received "tens of millions of dollars" from the government just over the past few years.
Imagine what a small community of 2,000 should be able to do with that kind of money.
Where has the money gone?!
This situation of aboriginal settlements getting millions in 'welfare' money simply has to end. There is no real occupation in these remote places, no industry to speak of, no hope, no self-respect... nothing.
Why are they still living there? What do they work at?

Rodger in Calgary
First off, I want to say that I am a pretty level-headed individual and I try to use common sense to understand as many things as possible. This entire Aboriginal situation has me beyond perplexed as to how one-sided it is. I am all for free-enterprise and yearn for a society where everyone has the "option" to find some work, yet do understand that in a perfect world, there will be people who truly are sick or incapacitated and simply cannot help themselves, therefore a social safety is also required, to an extent.What really bothers me is how the Aboriginal Tribes seem to be so against joining into mainstream Canadian society, how they insist on having their own "lands" and not pay taxes for the same reason. I understand the ideal of maintaining culture and traditions and language and arts, but when the shoe drops and somebody realizes that these "lands" don't have electricity or clean water or schools or roads, and that we should also provide these essential services, well that just doesn't make a lot of common sense to me. We ALL have to pay for what we need, or make a very harsh decision that we do not WANT these things. To TRULY live as an Aboriginal in a land untouched by technology or commerce or science means to not have these things that the modern age has brought to us, because we have all participated in the creation of such tools and we ALL share in the cost to distribute these systems to our society.Call me one-sided, but I truly think we need to be approaching this in the other direction. Enough concessions and "free stuff" just because, and let's talk common sense on BOTH sides of the equation.

Smitty
Why would they value things they haven't invested anything in? They're no different than prisoners or zoo animals, in that they no longer have the ability to fend for themselves.The $50,000 spent per man, woman, and child is only for housing and infrastructure. I'm sure that they have all been receiving their usual monthly allowances too, yet they have nothing to show for it. The government could have spent 100 times the amount, and the situation wouldn't be any better - guaranteed.It's the old adage of give a man a fish vs teach a man to fish. Unless someone is willing to teach these people how regular humans live, they're doomed to fail.

ErnieScarr
Give all the Indians in Canada, very man woman and child who is native. 1 million dollars rite now as a complete buy out, even give them option to vote on the million per person or continued gov assistance. I know which one they will choose. Then this will all be solved. Also Audit the crooks who are chiefs and band leaders they should be accountable for there actions.

Mabel Matson
I grew up in Thunder Bay. It now is a city with so many native aborignals that the crime rate has risen and property values have dropped.It's time they stopped paying for our ancestor's mistakes and made them regular Canadians who have to get out there and work for their money. It's too bad if you live in a house with ice on the floor. I grew up in a two room house with a wood stove and ice on the floor in winter..Nobody called that a crisis or said let's help. We had to help ourselves.All aboriginals need to get a life and stop draining our economy and complaining about the short shrift they're getting. Concerned citizen of Canada

Richard in Saskatchewan
Sam in Edmonton I applaud you. This is exactly what the public is thinking and you are a leader! You have proven so much and I see our values are equal. The only way to end all of this is for reserves to be less dependant on our govt and start taking care of themselves and others by seeking employment and living a normal life. Not an extraordinary life that continues to rob society and place blame everywhere but on themselves. If we want to improve our childrens future and resolve racism we must stop supporting various races and treat everone equally! What happened in the past is long long ago and I know my children will barely even understand what happened back then just as the first nations children of today. All they know is they get "free" money and they dont. Its up to be to be the responsible parent and explain why this is. I am a firm believer that because of the segregation of certain races that recieve "payments" while other races dont. This a fire starter for racism and this must end if racism is to end. I believe in equality and fair share for all. Work for a living, enjoy life and respect others. Were hiring in Sask come here if life is rough there! Dont just sit there!!

NB Gal
Seriously? What's all the talk about racism? There have been some valid questions asked in this forum and maybe someone needs to answer them.Where did the money go? Who has it?Why aren't the homes kept up by the inhabitants?Why do we still have reserves in the first place?

Rob in the north
Where is Mcguinty when all this is going down? It may be a federal problem but it's still in Ontario.

Thomas
I am aboriginal, lived on a reserve for a year of my life, what a desolate and depressing place. However, most of my relatives including me, have all gone to university and more. I do not believe like one poster on here who claimed to be aboriginal and left us with the impression that all Aboriginals on a reserve are drunks and get everything for free, having worked on a lot of reserves in Canada, I know this is not the case. I do agree with this person whose comments come across as redneck racist if any, that a lot of the problems associated with reserves can be traced back to the chief's and band administrators, most of which are now female, thanks to a perversion of employment equity and feminism. However, a lot more of the problems can be traced back to the department of Indian and Northern Affairs (even the name "Indian" is a mis-namer and racist, shows you how much the government really cares). Unfortunately, there is a lot of erroneous information out there as it pertains to Aboriginals as a whole, like we are all tax exempt, NOT! Or we get what the racist fool mentioned early, a new truck every year (he must be in big with the chief to pull that one off) or for that matter, drunk all day, that alone is a symptom of being ill not nothing to brag about. I would argue, that it is this great mis-information that is one of the major contributing factors into why some of the reserves (quite a few actually) like this one are left to go to the point of third world conditions, that and redneck racist who keep the lies alive.

PegCityGirl
If you do the math from what Harper said, it really isn't that much money.The story says $90 million OVER 5 years. If you look up how many people are in the community (a little over 1200 people) that is 50 000 per person, OVER 5 years! So in all, they are spending around 10 000 per person per year. I don't know about you but to solve major housing issues and infrastructure problems, and that isn't even considering the fact that getting materials and labor up there are more expensive than the south.When you crunch the numbers, $90 Million is really not that much, THAT is where the money went.

Elizabeth, Ontario
It appears the First Nations system is seriously broken. Throwing money at the problem is not making life better for these native people. There needs to be transparency and regular audits of all taxpayer's money that is sent to these reserves to insure the money is being spent where needed and not going into the pockets of the Chiefs and their families. If the system is already corrupt then sending more money is just dropping it into a black hole. All levels of government need to insist the money is spent to enhance living conditions, of the people, and not to enhance the life of the Chief.

Erika
When I was 13 years old and went camping with my family by White Lake Ontario,I wrote letters to the government and asked how this could be people living in shacks etc.I am now in my 50's and nothing has changed.I am disgusted at our government, we can send millions to other countries but we can not look after our own.It is time for the people to be heard.Alot of people out here accuse people of being lazy,being leeches etc.Very hard to be productive when you are malnourished ,drank tainted water,and are just trying to survive day to day.Try it.It takes alot of energy to gather food,hunt.fish gather wood for heat,it also takes time.Those of us who are living a frugile simple life know this.It is easy to judge others unless you have walked in their shoes.I challenge all of you to go and live for two weeks in these conditions and tell me you don't feel tired,depressed,hopeless,drained.......shame on you!

Indian Affairs does not care for Natives
Indian Affairs, which was the very recent name of their office, supports our native's concerns just as well as the Dept of Veteran Affairs supports our Veterans... meaning not at all. Both organizations top goal is to cut programs, save money, and create cushy internal jobs for the well connected. Their needs to be an Ombudsman on full time call, one with enough guts like past Ombudsman Pat Strogan, to represent the people we all think these organizations are representing. The biggest threat to natives, is the Dept of Indian Affairs, and such id the relationship between Veterans and the slimy Dept of Veteran Affairs. This needs fixing!

Heather Nepean
The Red Cross and True North keep on saying they are going to set up drop off places for donations and so far I have not seen no such thing. I have gone to news sites and web sites and all they want is money, I have 8 thermal blankets and 4 comforters that I do not need and want to donate. WHERE can I leave them off? Say it on the news programs so that those that can not give money but have goods can be part of the giving.

QUEBEC 60ò0TRANSFER PAYMENTS 2 ATTAWAPISKAT
Maybe the Attawapiskat nation could be spruced up if Quebec were to donate some of the 60% in federal equalization transfer payments or roughly 10 BILLION they have been getting annually from English Canada under the guise of being a "have not" province but everywhere else in the world portraying themselves as an independent country.

Jennifer King
Harper is obviously out of touch with the cost of being an "average" Canadian. $50k is nothing. (why even make that comment?) People in BC receive on average from the government $35k in childcare subsidies alone. Add up what the govt spends on highway infastructions, hospitals, medicare, education, subsidies to our senior citizens etc. and all the other ministries (I can't imagine that total per person)Why are the aboriginal people not being treated like the rest of us Canadians? Our Country created taxes to help it's people, to build communal schools and hospitals. Why do they not receive the same equalities?

Sam in Edmonton
I left the reserves when I was 16 and have never looked back. I cut my treaty card up as well. My parents and brother still live there though. I have paid for everything I have myself. If the money given to the reserve was spread evenly, everybody on the reserve would be very wealthy. But it isn't, so reserves turn like they are and they blame the white people. I am a native and I don't blame the white people for the way it is. I blame all the cheefs and administrators that suck all the money up to take vacations and have the luxury life. My brother had the same chances I did, but never took any of them. Now he lives in a free house and gets drunk every day, in the house that is worse to live in than my shed. We both had the same marks in high school, but I graduated. He decided to go to the reserve and get drunk. I have a house, a car and university education that I paid for. He has had a brand new truck almost every year that he trashes in the first month, then totals within a year because he is drunk. I pay for my eye glasses, prescriptions and dental visits. He gets them for free, but is missing half his teeth, breaks his free glasses every month and just goes and gets new ones for free. It is not just my family, old friends on the reserves are the same way. We all had the same chances, I just decided to do it on my own, they decided to be indians. Yes, indians, not natives.

I LIVE ON RESERVE
Too add into my previous comment, I would be devastated if my sewer backed up. I work my butt off and get by with paying my bills & taxes, etc. My travel expenses are through the roof(luckily i don't have to fly out). The only grocery store here, is super expensive, but me and the kids need to eat & yes we do hunt, but I also worry about contamination issues regarding mining areas & as well as fish farms & the bi-valves & fish we eat. I have been educating myself on home repairs, through reading. I do this because the contractor who comes to repair the houses around here, doesn't give a s--t about building to standards, because its just an indian house, but we need him, we have no one else. If the city has backed up sewers and it exceeds their forecasted budgets, who fixes it? & pays for it? We just finally got a loan for $ to put in a sewer treatment plant & its awesome! We have had to ship people out to learn the skills needed into maintaining the plant. What we need is more training to teach people how to build & maintain housing, treatment plants & then we will see more healthy people. Also too to be able to maybe get a company who can donate materials, so that way we can afford the high costs of freight, or vise versa, get some free freight & we will pay for the costs of the goods. & NO we should not just move to the city! There are so many families struggling to get by & no jobs & many other people living on the welfare. system.

Darren
Send in Holmes on Homes. He'll clean the place up.

frank
great story, no food, no water, no heat, but lets sit down and watch the game on the big screen TV and presumably satellite given the northern location, HMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!! how about we ask the six Grand Chiefs who make more than the prime minister why the conditions are like that, or maybe the AFN Grand Chief in ottawa, as far as i know , the first nations get alot of money each year, like everyother community in canada, where did that go? lets see, i have X amount of money, new insullation for the house? nope, i think i will order the sports package, disgusting

NormalMorals
I have always been taught that if you want something you have to work for it. If you can't find a job move to where there is one. If you want to live in a nice house and have nice things save your money. Don't rely on anyone to give you money but you can rely on friends and family for support. You choose the way you live and if you choose to live comfortably or not is 100% your choice. So if you want to live on that reserve in the conditions you made then do so. If you choose to live better then go and do so. The government helped with money but what happened to it?

Canadian
Ah yes, the usual leftist nonsense: "send in the army"! News flash: under our constitution, it is ILLEGAL to use the military for this. Not to mention totally inapproriate. Time for a few communities to learn to actually fend for themselves a little instead of demanding someone else do for them......is this an "occupy camp"?

Jennifer King
To the people in Attawapiskat, I hope that our government stops blaiming the past government, stops talking about money (all Canadians would be surprised how much are spent on them each year via Hospitals, roads etc. Thinks your community is left without)I hope that the recent media coverage gets the exposure you need to get you clean water to drink/bathe and that they get you proper sewage like we enjoy in our communities.prayersJennifer King - Nanaimo

Judi
Sorry KC in BC ....typing too fast I made a typo! Thats what you focus on? Good grief!Bottom line is all the negative comments come from people who appear to generalize and stereotype. It would be nice if some of them would really become informed before they open thier mouths to make a stupid comment. After-all this was native land before Europeans came over and decided to play Hitler!

B Larocque
On this film, I have a couple of comments: ..Where was the millions spent....What/how was the spending priortized and who was in charge. Obviously not very well planned out. Now all of a sudden, the red cross has to step in. What's wrong with this picture? On the other side, if these people are living in squalor and poverty how come the home shown has plastic on the ceilings, a drum for a stove, plywood floor but WHERE DID THE LARGE SCREEN TV COME FROM WITH CABLE?????

Halloooo!
Has anyone actually done the math?? This is a region where milk costs $12/bag! What if there was diamonds and other valuable minerals under their feet? What if there were treaties and agreements that were signed in the early 1900's that promised schools and housing and a bunch of other things that Canada failed to deliver?? What than??$90,000,000.00/1,900(ppl) works out to $47,368.42/6years (since 2006)= $7894.74/person/year.

Matt from Calgary
We need equality in Canada! Equal rights and equal opportunity to every man, woman and child! I do not see any inner city communities getting getting any money, let alone 90million to help their problems. If there is no work... leave. Move somewhere that has work and do it. Quit relying on everybody else other than yourself. Equal rights and enough with these reserves.

melville
AUDIT every Native Indian band in Canada if I have to put in my tax return every year so should they --as far as I am concerned they are not above the law,,,make then accountable for every dollar they get --Quit spending money for holidays I cannot afford a holiday every year they go all the time. If I was in a native band i would want the chiefs accountable for all monies--so people you have to stop the greed in your own band

Tuktoyaktuk
Everybodys talking like they know about these small communitys.I bet all off you have never had to boil water to drink or had to pay $24 for a 4L milk so your kids could have cereal for breakfast.Thats just a little example of how hard is to live in these places and all you folks in cities dont know whats real tough life.Its a life style none of you could even handle with all your needs and wants.So dont put us down if you have never lived in a small native community.

Brian Archer
As a Metis and a now retired Canadian, I have to agree with a lot of what is being said about the Natives on reserve in some parts of Canada. I was in the Building Supply busines since I graduated in 1963 until I changed professions in 1990. I have dealt with Native Bands in Flin Flon, Swan River, Roblin,Dauphin, manitoba, Kenora,Ontario, Brandon and Virden, Manitoba. If there is any one thing that all Bands had in common, and that was the utter disregard for their housing and infrastructure. Without fail, we would be on the reserves in the spring replacing hundreds of broken windows, kicked in doors, shot out water heaters and so on. We had also hired on reserve natives to do the repairs but in most cases had to abandon that strategy to have a contractor go out in late fall to finish the work before winter set in. The Chief and Council and their families were always the first to receive the jobs and upgrades to their housing as the money came in. They were always going to meetings somewhere and the money they were spending was rediculous. If they went over their budgets, they would ask for (and receive) more money. They would always congratulate themselves when their annual audit was completed and no negative comments were given. I can only suggest that what should happen in the Reserve system is that every Reserve in Canada should have a Chief and four councillors, a uniform stipend be offered for each Chief and each councillor . All residents on the reserve would be transferred ownership of their home and a uniform piece of land for it to sit on. This would be a start. There is more but I only get 300 words to comment.

Just Wondering - Ottawa
Would it not be helpful to even bring in some trailers...close them up underneath and around ..at least would be in out of the elements and warm. No one here can imagine what it is like...great to walk into a warm house and turn on a light and use the washroom etc. Some guidance of some form is needed and get some materials and men up there to building some homes. Sad Sad situation.

anji (Northern Ontario)
It is incredible the amount of racist, stereotypical comments I see on here. A tornado rips through a southern Ontario town and Red Cross is there immediately along with other government agencies. A village up north is begging for help and issues a state of emergency because 90 year olds are living in tents and it takes a month for people to respond. Wow. Listen to some of yourselves people. This is incredible.... and sickening.

anji (Northern Ontario)
Helga? Those are sled dogs... they love the cold and refuse to come into the homes. Besides, with ten families in a home, do you want to add wild dog to the situation?

Linda in Vancouver
If the government really has spend $50,000 for every man,woman and child in this community, something is seriously wrong with the system. Given the vitriole in Parliament,I would love to see the auditor general track where that money was really spent,and on whom.If we spend that much on every First Nations citizen,and got the same result,who could blame people if they throw their hands in the air and just give up trying any more? At $50,000 per,on land that cheap,every family there should have a nice home.Or,at least,one that is confortable. Something doesn't add up.But no surprise.It never has added up in this ministry.Never.

I LIVE ON REMOTE RESERVE
I am so appaulled by the stupid comments on here. So you think you know best for us!!Well I have a large family, living in a large house on reserve. Me and my husband work our butts off, doing many different areas of work we can do and get. Much of it is considered self employment and we can not go on ei, because of it. I also pay a huge amount of taxes on the income that is not self employed and I too should be able to have a choice in how I want to spend it. Because we as a couple made $40, 351 we have had our child benefit/ family allowance cut in half, our income, which by the way is much more than what the average family here gets. Many people think we are rich, which we aren't. We struggle to get by, month to month. My travel expenses, to get off this rock, just to get groceries and toiletries, etc, is more than $2000 a year. We have only 1 grocery store here and a jug of milk costs $6.00, not to mention how expensive everything else is & its not being flown in, only ferry'd.We go thru a min of 15 jugs a month, so do the math on that= $90 a month on milk. My hydro bill is anywhere from $620 to my latest bill $722.16 and yes, thats from Sept. 19 to Nov. 18. (hmmm i wonder who's making the money there? oh well, still need the heat/electricity/hot water)Then I have my mortgage payments water/sewer payments garbage fee's, and telephone & other bills. If my sewer backed up, i would be utterly devastated.

Canadian Bob
Something about this story smells awfully suspicious. If what Harper claims is true that approximately $50,000 per person has been invested by the people of Canada into this community, then something has either gone very awry or we're getting more of the Harper mis-directional method of reasoning (like what we received when we tried to get an answer about the summit spending in Clements riding). Perhaps if the Harper government doles out money to the tune it claims it has for this community, he should put some measures in place to ensure that the money is spent with the intent it was issued? Either Harper has failed this community, or this community has failed Canada. Get to the bottom of it before we send them more money to waste away - because that's what Harper is saying they did with it right?

Answers Needed
It is most unfortunate about the housing etc state at Attawapiskit..However, this story would have sgnificantlly more credibility if the Furst Nations ( & Band ) leaders would publically explain how the $50,000 per person ( ie every child coults ) already allocated has been spent. Until such an explanation is forthcoming, there will always be suspicions that ..................

L
So Judi, pointing out the problems in a system means I'm a racist? I suggest you grab a book and educate yourself on what that word means. Turning a blind eye to the issues and just blaming the government rather than looking at what caused the problem in the first time is why this system has been allowed to perpetuate for so long, all under the fear of being labelled a "racist" for standing against it. If you read most of the comments on this board, people are trying to suggest change, and change that would mean a better future for the people living in this community and others like it. If the system was perfect, this situation would not exist. If you disagree and think throwing more money at the issue is the solution, then by all means, make that arguement. But make the arguement, don't try and label people racists as your argument without giving one single suggestion about how to right the situation. One major problem in this country is that speaking out about a problem that involves a specific group labels you a racist, bigot etc as its not politically correct to point out the flaws of anything to do with minorities. When will we all be one Canada? Most people posting here seem to want one Canada where we all get along, live and work together, and no one has to live in appalling conditions like this. That is what we should all be trying for, and rather than insulting those with suggestions, let's all discuss solutions in a meaningful way.

Dennis Johnson
First things first, let’s get these people into proper housing and then have someone go and find out where the money that the government has given them has been spent. And if it has been used the wrong way let’s punish the bad guys and put something in place so that this never happens again. I know that seems too simple a way of doing things, but we can spend a sh#t load of monies on inquiries and panels to make things right. All we need to do is if it’s the person in charge of the money jail them if need be and have the villagers vote on who should be in charge of their money. And if it’s just that there has not been enough money going there then let’s see what can been done about that. Like spending some of the money that we give to other countries here at home instead.

Sam in Edmonton
I would like to know what the reserve does with all the money the government gives them though. The way I see it, if the money was put to the proper use, every indian living on the reserves would be living a life of luxury. Getting as much free, tax free money in a year that I work for but pat taxes on, free houses, no PST, no poperty taxes, free univerity education, free perscription drugs, free eye glasses. I pay for all these things and have three times the quality of life as my family does. They are always drunk and broke.

Charlotte
It is most unfortunate about the housing etc state at Attawapiskit.
Where did the chief and councillors go for their vacation?
Where else was the $90Million spent - certainly not on housing construction and repairs. He could have built 9000 houses with that money. Do the residents have so little pride in their homes that they will only demolish their home than go out for firewood . . . . . and the list goes on!

KC BC
Sorry Judi, it is you're! There are books for you as well. This is another example of the 'Tragedy of the Commons". It is too bad these conditions exist but all stakeholders need to take responsibility. It sounds like some accounts below are factual and not racist. A person or group needs some skin in the game to take care of their goods. Constant handouts to anybody just perpetuate a mindset of not caring. These comments are not racist , they apply to anybody.

HiroAkita
Don't give them money... Have some companies head out there with pre-fab housing and get them up asap. Give the companies tax breaks... Get a military engineer unit out there and have them build some stuff. I'm sure the military would take great pride in helping people out. They are getting paid anyways why not have them do something positive. The corporations that make so much money off us can and should help.

s hamilton
$90 Million in a community such as this is like $20-30 million in 'the south'. Just imagine your community in the south needing to upgrade one street's water mains... lets say $500 000? Now... add to that cost that you need to send the large equipment like front end loaders, trained people, equipment to these small fly-in communities. Upgrading that one part of a water system is now about $3 million. All expenses are like this in these communities. A box of cereal is $18-20 rather than $6 and so on. Past governments have created this reserve system... it was a disaster for many communities in remote areas. You can't compare the reserves in the 'south' of Canada or the States to the situation in the north. Being a remote northern community is VERY different than being a southern community. I hope the aboriginal communities in the south are the first ones stepping in line to support their brothers and sisters donating to the Red Cross work.

Shmang
reading the comments in this story is almost as sickening as the situation itself. the huge misunderstanding of race relations in this country is embarrassing, and it should be. enlightened? i doubt it. it just reflects what many of us as aboriginals already know and have lived with all our lives... racism is alive and well in Canada!

Will (aka Seeking Wolf)
So, because I criticize the chiefs, the reservation system and INAC, I am a racist? The simple fact that I am an Aboriginal Canadian is apparently just a side issue and I am what the black Americans would call an "uncle tom". Let's get real here. The entire reservation system is garbage, as is the INAC system that gives special priviliges to those who stay on the reserves. GUT it all and make everyone EQUAL. The best thing I ever did was join the army in 1940 and never go back. I prospered, and so did my family, by hard work. There is only ONE CANADA for ALL Canadians. As for those crying racism, grow up fools. And that includes you, indigmd.

CANADA WEARS HYPOCRISY ON ITS SLEEVES!
Well looks like we in "C a n a d a" (said in my best Conrad Black accent) have our own little "Haiti" crisis right here in our own backyards. But you'd never know it given the highfalutin snob attitudes about so many who chirp endlessly with incredulity the well worn and used typical statement "Not in MY Canada!" as they line up their Cadillac SUV to buy a Timmies Double Triple Double whatever. The next time you plop yourselves on your Home Depot inspired showroom "family room" in front of your 95" HDTV listening to Anderson Cooper chime on about the poor downtrodden in Haiti and other despots around the world, I suggest you look out your own backyards or take a walk down any sidewalk in Canada and take note of the homeless and unfortunate amongst you. Dare I say in "YOUR" Canada! Bip bip cheerio!!!

Helga Laval
I feel bad for the living conditions of the people but they too have to show some initiative and responsibility to improving the lives of the children and I ask also why do they allow their pet dogs/cats to sleep outside in those temperatures without decent shelter?

Dave
I would like to know why they store their garbage in their yards, must be the Government's fault on that one also. How can one know the value of a dollar when everything is given to you and you do not have to work for it.

Wayne
I live close to three reserves.The constant seems to be that houses get totaled.I have recently been in a 5 year old native house that I would call uninhabitable.I delivered the supplies to build those houses and remember wishing that I could afford a house like that.Some of the houses, about 20 years years old,are destroyed to the point of being unlivable.My house is thirty years old and looks new.I guess the difference is I had to pay for mine.I am probably going to get labeled as a racist because in Canada if you say what you see, that is what you are.

Judi
All of the negative comments come from uneducated people...you think you've made a comment that really means something! Racist people are still so stupid and all you've really done here is hide behind you computer....but your still stupid! Go to school, pick up a book, or just pick another lame excuse not to help! Idiots

kim
So only the elite know what's best for everyone.

I think a little practical knowledge would go a long way here. For example, a good accountant to find out what happened to the 80 million spent in this area since 2006.

Dorothy Gardiner
Good education is the long term key.

Barry Wynn
The Medewiwins are under the governance of the Indian Act, thereby making them a federal government jurisdiction. The Indian Affairs Minister could order the Canadian Army i.e. Engineer Corp., to fly in prefabricated homes so these Medewiwins could be warm and safe this coming winter. All we have to do is write to our MPs and demand they do this for these people. However, these same Medewiwins are compatriots of Canada and Ontario, so Ontario can also demand action that the CN Army move quickly and erect those prefab homes. Okay! Lets do it i.e. street action i.e. protest.

IndigMD
Unless you have a degree in Indigenous Studies and have been on these reserves you do not know what you are talking about.

Maggie
These conditions are horrible, but more transparency is needed to find out where the gov't $$ is going, because it is clearly NOT making its way to the people who live in these 'homes'.....and I am very tired of this whole 'we were here first and deserve everything' mentality.....WE ALL EVOLVED OUT OF AFRICA AND ARE OF HOMO SAPIENS SPECIES.....Let's start treating each other like brothers/sisters instead of being based on our outside appearance!!!

mike
Where are the mighty warriors of Caledonia?Why dont they get off there fax butts and assist there brothers in need. I will tell you why they dont give a damn. All they care about is looking after themselves or maybe they are still fueding between tribes.This is a shame that people have to live this way but if they have no respect for what they are given in the first place are we all supposed to care.

Angela
Canadians don't know their own history. That's why we're seeing negative comments on this article.

JDF - Calgary
It is time to end the farce called compassion and social justice.. My grandparents and in-laws came to Canada as illiterate peasants from what is now western Russia. They came with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a couple of dollars. There were NO government handouts available at the time. If they could build good, prosperous lives with NO government handouts, why haven't native Canadians who have received billions if not more, done the same?

Jean Guy
nice to see that canadien tax payers are spending all there hard earned money on our fellow citizens.
perhaps they should start selling and shipping more contraband cigarettes and such to support themselves...this way they can back at the so called white man buy making him pay more for goods and services.
the indians and metis of this country should be ashamed of there behaviour.
you dont see the american indians living in this style .
wake up and welcome to the 21st century chiefs and indians.
(which way to tim hortons ?

Don K
Is there mismanagement of funds on reserves? Yes. Could the money given be better spent? Yes. Did the government of Canada steal almost all aboriginal youth from where they live and put them in residential schools to strip them of their culture and have them endure years of abuse and neglect as little as 33 years ago? Yes. If you take away the tools need to thrive and create a sense of limbo for an entire poplulation, you can't sit back and say to yourself "how come they can't fix this for themselves?"

enough
it makes me sick to read some of these comments.I am a proud aboriginal person, i, like most of the people I know who are Aboriginal have a job. I pay more taxes in one year than a lot of people make. This allows the government to pay for infrustucture, health care, welfare for all Canadians.I know a lot of people on welfare - most of those people are NOT Aboriginal. I obviously live in the city where most poor people who are on welfare, have free dental and medical coverage are white. wow what a surprise!I give a sizeable donation to various charities in my region everyear - to foodbanks and shelters for my fellow human beings who are not as fortunate as me.I do not judge people for their circumstances or life choices.enough!

Leanne
I understand and respect the anger and hurt of those who are involved with this broken system, including those observing such injustices.

Also, I believe that the reservation system is just another form of segregation and racism, though we do not always label it as such.Our communities, our nation and our world will not progress until we ALL (no "us" vs. "them") approach this issue with humbleness, humility and forgiveness.

Finally, I appreciate all the thoughts and comments posted here because they reflect the importance of this subject in our society. Thank you.

Ken Lao
Its not an issue of there not being enough houses on the reserve. The issue is that there are not enough FREE houses on the reserve. I already have to pay my own mortgage, I'm not interested in buying houses for other people at the same time. Enough is enough its time for people living on these reserves to either pay to support themselves and their huge families or accept that they will be living in shacks.

Big Dizzle
"like you sanctimonious white people"

Gotta love a guy who cries racism and then instantly assumes, not only is the offender automatically "white" (no chance he is indian, asian, african, whatever - he is being critical and therefore he must be the evil WHITE man) but also , is openly racist by grouping all white people together as "Sanctimonious".

The_Demolisher
The simple fact is graft and mismanagement of funds is what results when there are no expectations of accountability.

The CTV article spoke of one band official saying it takes $250,000 to build 1 home up there? you probably can buy 5 well equipped resale mobile homes for the same amount. And where are the porta potty companies on this news item- a huge public relations/good news story for them if they want it...truck in 10 or so for these poor folks tomorrow and write it off as a charitable donation...

VB
Where's all the money that these groups get from the government???? They need to be held accountable for every penny. For their chief to let his community run down like this is NUTS. What did he do with the money they are given. Go to Hawaii???? Sick and fed-up of them saying they get nothing from us. But when they do, they spend it on holidays and parties and let their own people starve.

Anne
If the reserves are not self sufficient is it not time to find a long term solution, clearly this is not working and people living in these conditions is unacceptable.

Sick of the Racism in Canada
To those that seek accountability please visit the Attiwapiskat website for all disclosures. All audits are listed there.

For those that insist that all Natives are jobless dirty and don't care about the environment around them I insist on calling you racist. Please do not lump all natives in this country with that broad brush. In fact more than 75 % of natives live off of their "home" reserves, have jobs and pay taxes just like you sanctimonious white people. Go back to where you (and your family) came from and we can leave the reserves your ancestors forced us to live on and make better lives for all of our families.

Sick and tired of it
I live in Northern Ontario and we are surrounded by many reserves. The amount of money poured into the 1st nation reserves is incredible. This is what we witness as "how they live their lives": they are given a free house to live in and don't have any responsibilities to maintain it. Most do not work, instead they go to bingo, drive a nice new vehicle, wear nice clothes, eat bad food because they make poor choices. They are fat, lazy and diabetic because of these choice, some are street bums that are chronically drunk. Enough is enough, it is time for them to take responsibility for themselves, I am sick and tired of the rest of us paying for them. I paid for my own education, I pay for my house, my vehicle...I work my butt off for everything I have. Personally knowing staff that work for tribal agencies and finding out information regarding mis use of money. There needs to be some major whistle blowing happening with the first nation.People are so scared to say something because it might be politically incorrect, while it needs to happen because we just keep taking it up the a$$ so they can live a nice lazy paid for life. There are some of them that actually work and are lovely people...kudios to them.

jiw71
This didn't happen overnight. What is it with these people? Don't they care about their own welfare? - and that of their children? This is a mess and can only be fixed internally. Government, using tax dollars, should stop throwing money away and creating false entitlements. This is a vicious circle which must be broken. Get a job, relocate - do something beside the status quo. geeeeeeez.

Get a job
There is the choice of getting a job, cleaning house, stop drinking, stop going to bingo, and wasting your money on cigarettes. I am Joe Taxpayer who is sick and tired of hearing and seeing our Aboriginals waste their life with addictions, lack of pride, lack of education, etc, and BLAMING ALL THEIR PROBLEMS ON THE GOVERNMENT. The treaty was signed over a 100 years ago, its time for an updated treaty version, applicable to today. Did the old treaty say in the small print " and you can all be a bunch of irresponsible idiots who don't have to hold a job, clean your house, or raise your own children. Us, the government, will do it all for you" I think not. If you respect yourself, the people around you, your loved ones, and your belongings, respect will come back to you. I am sick and tired of the sob stories being said. I wish the government would just for once make the right decision and put some responsibility on the Aboriginal people and let them figure out their own problems. They are costing us a fortune.

Just Saying - Ottawa
Todays paper that Billions of Dollars pass through Indian Affairs to people and Reserves. This money needs to be accountable for. Totally wrong for people to live in such conditions. Another article a reserve in Nova Scotia..stat4ed that the Chief was paid a Million Dollar salary and councillors over $200,000. on a reserve of "87" people...totally unbelievable.

Will (aka Seeking Wolf)
Perhaps what is needed is to completely GUT the residential system and bring all of us FULLY into the mainstream of Canadian Society. Speaking as a Canadian of Aboriginal Descent, this is embarrassing, not because it shows poverty, but rather because it shows just how corrupt the chiefs are under the present reserve system. The best thing I ever did for my family and myself was to run off and join the army in 1940. I never looked back and my family has prospered. ONE CANADA FOR ALL.

brian
What a surprise? Charlie Angus needs to ask himself why his Party along with the Liberal Party withdrew support of the bill being introduced into the house of commons that would give native women the same human rights as all other women in Canada.

The night before the bill was being introduced the NDP and Liberal Parties were contacted by all native chiefs and told if they supported the bill they would not receive any funding for their elections. Foolishly they went along with the chiefs.

Why is everyone so bent on not giving a voice to native women? A quick look at this reserve tells you the answer to that doesn't it.

Charlie Angus and all others who withdrew their support for native women should hide in shame.

Joe K.
This reserve system is a joke. The funding is already provided. Why haven't the home owner's maintained their own homes? It's not like they don't already receive government funding. Broken system. Integrate with the rest of society already.

bob.b
A question to ask is what happened to and where is all the money the reserve is already provided??? Someone is receiving more than adequate funding from our taxes to provide these necessities. Help them out, but find out who is stealing the current funding!!!!

Prof. Pye Chartt
Behold: Our country's grand and embarrassing failure; one which no government has adequately recognized. We have systematically failed them, and they have systematically failed themselves. Perpetual failure begets misery and public shame. Time to forget the bandaid solutions and fix the entire government-driven system. Everybody deserves better than this.

Reality hurts
While I have not been to this reserve, I have been to others and when the people living there keep livestock in the house, push a tree through the window so they can chop firewood inside breaking the window, etc then why should we, the taxpayer, continue to pay for houses that are not cared for because the person living there knows that there is another federal handout around the corner? This is not a racist comment, as one poster has said, this is reality. If the aboriginal population wants to live on reserves, fine, but the constant handouts have to stop. Its not helping them, in fact its forcing aboriginals to remain dependent on the federal government and does not give any incentive to improve their situation. Many bands have improved their situation and restored pride to their people, I even heard of a few that have stopped receiving federal payments and are the better for it. Continuing to rely on the government will result in the problem perpetuating for eternity, until the community itself starts to take pride in their homes, use the money received wisely (they have received millions over the years) and start to find their own solutions, any additional federal money will be a bandaid only and nothing will change.

Moe from Ontario
While it is hard to think that here in Ontario, we still have this sort of thing, it is not surprising. I worked in Moosonee about 20 years ago putting in a hydro substation to help the native people out.We were not welcome in this town, they called us names when we went out for supper in their local restaurants; set their dogs on us if we were walking down the roads.Yesterday, in the T.O. Sun in their editorial, it mentions a reserve in Nova Scotia, Glooscap First Nation. One of the Mi'kmag politicians made $1 million last year while band councillors earned between $210,000 and $260,000.And they are hurting how?????????????????Clean up their act before putting their hands out for more money and aid.

Brenda
How does these living conditions become so bad in the first place?? Do these people not maintain their homes, sorry I don't get that. I spend hundreds of dollars maintaining my home a year WITHOUT government money, why can't they?

Brian Fr Langley
Canada's 1st Nations reserve can and will NEVER work. It's based on the same endless failed collectivist principles that can NOT and do NOT work. The solution is de-collectivize. Allow 1st nations members to own their own land holdings. Until we apply these basic and ancient principles persistant failure is assured. How blind can we be. Outside of reserves we do not live in collectives. While some see nobility in maintaining a cultural integrity, all that is being maintained, is drug abuse, alcholism, suicide, and despair. We are acting as their keepers and projecting our own desires on preserving a romantic notion of a culture that no longer even exists. These collectivist polices smack of the proverbial "white mans burden" It is racist. The solution must be de-collectivize.

Anne
This never ends does it. Take a look at reserves in general and see what condition they end up in. Why on earth do they want to live in that god-forsaken place anyway - no prospects for kids, no future, nothing. Get rid of reserves and have them integrate into Canadian society like everyone else. Maybe then they would get rid of the generations old mindset of government handouts. Pride of ownership usually is a result of achieving something yourself.

RG
My family descendants came here in 1683 from France.The Russians being connected to the two continents across what is now the Bering Strait came over 10,000 years ago.My family's descendants worked hard,paid taxes,brought value to their lives and moved forward.They did not sit back with a sense of entitlement constantly with their hand out saying "give me,give me".They worked.How many reserves are dilapidated because they don't work? And I don't mean a job,but how hard is it to clean your house,pick up the garbage outside,and if you really want to keep living in the past of 300 years ago a decent tee pee or log home.I see plenty of trees around the reserve.

RG
My family descendants came here in 1683 from France.The Russians being connected to the two continents across what is now the Bering Strait came over 10,000 years ago.My family's descendants worked hard,paid taxes,brought value to their lives and moved forward.They did not sit back with a sense of entitlement constantly with their hand out saying "give me,give me".They worked.How many reserves are dilapidated because they don't work? And I don't mean a job,but how hard is it to clean your house,pick up the garbage outside,and if you really want to keep living in the past of 300 years ago a decent tee pee or log home.I see plenty of trees around the reserve.

Paul
It is ridiculous the amount of money that goes to these reserves. All the Gov are so afraid to call an inquiry on the spending of millions of dollars we have been sending them and they still complain of ruin houses and not enough money to feed their kids. This situation needs to change and all reserves have to be accounted for the money they receive, after all is my and your money???

Scott (Alberta Party country)
I agree with John M. below. It's time to treat Indian Canadians like any other race living here...including having transparency and open, enforced accountability in/for their federally funded coffers. Any other organization given access to funds provided by the tax-payer must, why not Band Councils?

john macdnald
These comments I've read about Attawapiskat are discouraging and perhaps in some instances racist. I lived there for two years. The conditions of urban poverty are severe enough, but at least there is water and housing. For some families the conditions in these remote community are nothing short "third world". It has gone on for years. Fix these problems first : if a house is built or a proper sewege system built they exist and can't be put in someone's pocket in the allegedly corrupt fashion that certain commenters have made made.

Gilbert in Orleans
When will we get a federal government with the balls to abolish the reserve system in Canada and integrate these people into our society. They would then be able to benefit of the same social net we all have: Healthcare, education, housing, etc... win-win for all involved.

lorne
i would like to see the houses the chief and his relatives live in. these reserves need democracy andthe end of indian affairs buerarats with the money sent directly to the reserves cutting out all the money wasted in ottawa.

Jim in ON
Why is the Auditor General not allowed to audit Indian Affairs which has a budget larger than the armed forces?

JB in Ontario
I lived on a Native Reserve in northern Manitoba and I found some homes were well built and others run down and not kept up. It is important for Native people to take pride in their homes and to have education and other activities for the people. Getting back to their roots of hunting and fishing is very important for the Natives. Anything the government can help the Native communities with will help the communities and restore pride in a very important people of Canada.

Cambob in Toronto
It's the 21st Century. Continuing to treat these people as second class citizens is ridiculous. It's time to end the segregation. All 'native reservations' should be amalgamted into Canadian lands and their occupants welcomed to join all Canadians as free and equal citizens.

Unprotected Realist
Excellent suggestions, as a non-aboriginal currently living there I have read many stories of late trying to attune to blaming the government for allowing this to happen. However today the article "John Ivison: The Rising toll of a failed experiment with isolated reserve" was the best analysis of the situation.

John Merriam
The northern Ontario native community of Attawapiskat is currently in the news negatively. The leaders of the aboriginals there are calling out for more federal assistance to deal with an emergency situation. The Dippers, and to a lesser extent the Liberals, are castigating the Conservative government for neglect and indifference. Some families are living in tents with no running water, and winter has arrived. The Red Cross is rushing in supplies.Well, what are the facts of the matter? The truth is that the feds have pumped $17,217,194. (***) into the community in the last year alone. On the same scale, this would amount to -$170,000,000. over 10 years. This does not include provincial assistance from the government of Ontario. What has happened to that money? Where did it go? I remind you that this is money provided by the federal taxpayer, namely you and me. There are only 2800 people living on this reserve, so each and every person should have received in excess of $310,000. to $320,000. over the past decade. For a family of six or seven, which is common, this amounts to $1,860,000 to $1,920,000. What happened to it? Also keep in mind that aboriginals pay no national sales tax. Clearly, a full inquiry needs to take place to account for the money, and people there must make some effort to earn their own living, such as by hunting, fishing and trapping, which they are very good at.This brings up the larger problem of the federal statute the Indian Act, which clearly requires an overhaul and modernization. This act governs the affairs of the federal Department of Indian Affairs, which includes aboriginals (Indians and Inuit plus Metis).(1) The statute should be renamed The Aboriginal and Metis Act.(2) Aboriginals should be allowed to own their own homes on reserves.(3) Full democracy is required when native leaders are voted into a leadership position.(4) A full and transparent accounting of every federal dollar spent must be outlined.(5) Native women should be given full status equal to any man.This would be a good start to a very complex problem.*** Ross, Pope and Company Chartered accountants for Attawapiskat First NationJohn Merriam New | Reply Reply all Forward | Delete Mark as â–¼ Move to â–¼ | Print [Refresh]

curt
how much u wanna bet that the chiefs house isnt falling down. they should do a occupy movement, they have the tents already

Shameful situation
At what point do aboriginals assume responsibility for maintaining their homes? They're given breaks far exceeding what "not Aboriginal" Canadians get (my family has been here for over 200 years, I therefore refuse to say "non-native"), yet somehow their houses keep falling apart. Maybe they should be the ones taking care of their houses? I agree the current path to their prosperity is not working. Centuries of paternalism from the feds has made them completely dependent on handouts from the government.

Robert B
If these bands want more public tax dollars, get them to open their books up to the general public that is what municipalities do as all other form of government!!!!!! We may then be more receptive to improving their living conditions if the money is well spent.