'We need clean water,' chief says

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With the permission of their Hesquiaht hosts, representatives of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation met privately with federal Health Minister Allan Rock at Hesquiaht's new health clinic. Chief Bruce Frank opened the discussion by informing the minister that his nation's water problem has been in the news for quite some time and that he has been sent by his people to get answers.

"Our people are tired of talking to government representatives who only end up telling us that they need to go back and talk to their superiors," said Frank.

Chief Howard Tom added the water problem was a long-standing one.

"The Department of Indian Affairs' arrangement with the Department of Transport to provide us with water was never adequate. When we looked into hooking up to the Tofino system two years ago it would have cost us $1.7 million. That price tag has now jumped to $5 million. The longer we delay the costlier it gets," Tom said.

The provision of clean water to Esowista was a federal responsibility, but that fell into the hands of the Alberni/Clayoquot Regional District two years ago when the Ministry of Transport transferred the airport land, the site of Esowista's current water supply, to the regional district.

The regional district and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation are doing what they can with their limited means, but the problem has always been lack of funding.

Chief Frank said his nation does not want to go the way direct action.

"We don't want to go the route of blockades. Tofino gets their water from Meares Island and our head chief owns it. We don't want to have to go there and turn the water off, but we will if we have to."

A binder containing documents outlining the history of Esowista's water problems along with letters from Esowista children about their experiences with bad water was handed to the minister.

The Minister agreed that Esowista's water problem was indeed a serious health issue given that clean water is a basic necessity of life. He promised that he would take the time to learn more about the issue and would consult with Cabinet colleagues and provincial ministers and that he would call Tla-o-qui-aht within a week.

"Health Canada will work on a plan with Tla-o-qui-aht," Minister Rock promised.

Chief councillor Anne Atleo of Ahousaht took the opportunity to raise the issue of black mold contamination in reserve housing.

"Every house in Ahousaht has been inspected and more than 50 per cent are contaminated. We are living in Third World conditions in Canada."

The minister heard complaints about alcohol and drug problems among First Nations people, over-crowded reserves, pollution and gun control on reserves.

He promised Hesquiaht that he would do what he could to assist the community to move their air-polluting generator, which sits right next to the new clinic. The reserve is so small that Hesquiaht council is seeking to have the generator relocated to Crown land.

For most other issues, he smiled and said, "Let's look for solutions together."