Potable water no longer a dream for Namaygoosisagagun First Nation
By Rhonda Gagnon
NAMAYGOOSISAGAGUN— For the very first time in 40 years, residents of Collins Lake are able to drink water from their own lake thanks to the determination of the citizens and leadership of Namaygoosisagagun, technology of Sawyer Products and the support of the Dreamcatcher Fund.
Stevie Salas, a world-renowned guitarist and producer of music, film, and television, and award-winning film and television producer Christina Fon both joined Darrel Larson, International Director of Sawyer Products, to provide the gift of clean drinking water to Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, a small, remote access Anishinabek First Nation located in Northwestern Ontario within the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850.
“I have been all over the world and this experience to Namaygoosisagagun was humbling and the most meaningful experience I will never forget,” expressed Larson.
Being a remote First Nation has its challenges, and this community is no different as there are no stores, and it has limited transportation access. With no funding from the Federal Government of Canada, Namaygoosisagagun citizens have to pay out of pocket for water to be delivered to the First Nation. At times, it would cost $50.00 for an individual to bring up an 18.5 Litres jug of water to their household.
Chief Helen Angela Paavola-Goodwin’s number one priority is to promote a healthy lifestyle for the citizens of Namaygoosisagagun. But how can a healthy lifestyle be achieved if clean drinking water is not easily accessible? Accessing clean potable drinking water from Collins Lake has not been possible for 40 years.
Fortunately, as of June 10, that has changed with the advanced technology and innovative design of Sawyer Products and the support of the Dreamcatcher Fund. Clean fresh drinking water is now a reality for the citizens of Namaygoosisagagun.
A small introductory conversation can come a long way. Adam Beach, a well-known Ojibwe actor, supported the goal of providing fresh clean drinking water to First Nations by connecting the Anishinabek Nation to Sawyer Products.
“We hope that the promise from the Canadian Government to eliminate First Nations water issues by 2021 is upheld,” expressed Beach. “In the meantime, I am grateful to know people like Darrel Lawson who is helping communities with the clean water initiative around the world.”
The updated report from Namaygoosisagagun is that the citizens are happy with the water filters.