FN sues Ottawa

Ermineskin First Nations, Alta., is suing the federal government of Canada and has named Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl as one of the defendants.
One part of the claim is based on alleged "famine and pestilence" as the reserve is having some serious problems with diabetes, gangrene and kidney disease. The statement of claim was filed in Edmonton Court of Queens Bench in late August.
In general the lawsuit states that the government has not upheld the treaty by denying them the most essential needs in life, such as fresh water. There is a Treaty 6 quote in the claim: "A medicine chest will be kept at the house of each Indian agent in case of sickness amoungst you."
The specific complaints against the government are numerous. The band has no pipes to carry water so they are forced to import water from nearby communities when needed. Suggesting that the governments fishing and hunting laws have resulted in significant changes in diet contributing to the diseases mentioned. Alleging that a comprehensive funding arrangement reached last year is not being upheld as the government still has not reimbursed Ermineskin with the $4.5 million used for social assistance programs.
Finally the lawsuit also claims that 300 to 400 children in social assistance programs are not being provided with schooling.
Ermineskin First Nations is one of the four Hobbema reserves in central Alberta and has many troubles like drug and gang related violence, homicides and drive by shootings. Perhaps some of these problems have also stemmed from a lack of life necessities.