Health Canada Rescinds “Do Not Consume Order” for drinking water for Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nation

Health Canada Rescinds “Do Not Consume Order” Water Advisory

Attention: Assignment Editor, News Editor, Photo Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor

GILFORD ISLAND, BC, MEDIA ADVISORY–(Feb. 13, 2008) – The Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nation is extremely pleased to announce that the Health Canada – “Do Not Consume” order for our village drinking water was lifted on January 7, 2008. This is a result of the new Reverse Osmosis Water purification plants now operating in the village of Gwa-Yas-Dums on Gilford Island.”This is a long time coming” says Chief Bob Chamberlin, “Our community members have demonstrated an amazing level of resilience and commitment, to our village and our people, by remaining during the ten years of undrinkable water, an amazing demonstration of strength and perseverance.”

There will be a Water Treatment Plant Commissioning ceremony held in the village of Gwa-Yas-Dums, Gilford Island on February 16th, 2008. Confirmed attendees are;

* Phil Fontaine, AFN National Chief
* Shawn Atleo, Regional AFN Chief
* Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President
* Jeff Loucks, INAC Regional Director General
* Ann Davidson, CAW BC/ALTA President
* Mike Michaud, CAW Skilled Trades Coordinator
* International Forest Products representatives

In addition to the water problem, Gwa-Yas-Dums is currently embarking on the rebuilding of virtually the entire village and every home. “To accomplish the rebuild our First Nation is developing a broad range of partnerships with Provincial Ministries, Industry partners and other organizations” says Chief Chamberlin.

Industry partners include International Forest Products, Ministry of Forests and Range and most recently the Canadian Auto Workers Union, whom have accepted AFN’s Corporate Challenge to help eradicate poverty on First Nation reserves. The Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nation is developing a Pilot Project with the Ministry of Forests and Range for the provision of lumber under more recent Supreme Court ruling allowing First Nation access to Crown Timber for the building of homes.

“We have been working very hard on many levels to bring together a broad range of interests and initiatives to ensure our villages survival. As an example, we are committing the lions share of our First Nations Forest and Range agreement funds and revenue to move our village forward” says Chief Bob Chamberlin.

/For further information: Media wishing to attend please contact the Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nations Band Office to ensure travel to and from the village 250 974 3004/

IN: HEALTH, POLITICS

For more information, please contact

Bob Chamberlin, Chief, Kwicksutaineuk Ah-kwa-mish First Nation
Primary Phone: 250-974-8282