The education system is failing Indigenous people with educational attainment trailing far behind those of non-Indigenous people and by perpetuating a disconnection from the land and their Indigenous languages, which is integral to their cultural identities. The quality of on-reserve education is inferior because of being profoundly underfunded, creating shortages of materials, equipment and no…
A ticking time bomb: The Housing Crisis in Manitoba First Nations
The poor condition and shortage of housing is causing a health crisis in FNs across Canada but particularly in the FN reserves of Island Lake, Manitoba. James Anaya, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, reported in July 2014 that housing in Canada’s Indigenous communities “has reached a crisis level” (Anaya cited in The…
Water or Waste?
Water and waste are compromising health and the environment in First Nation communities. The lack of infrastructure, programs, training and funding in Indigenous Communities impair drinking water quality and waste management. Across Canada today, there are 133 advisories in place in 89 First Nations reserves warning that the water is not safe to drink. Waste Management in…