Assembly of First Nations National Chief Marks World Water Day: "The Government Must Recognize the Right to Water as a Human Right"

    OTTAWA, March 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief
Phil Fontaine commented today on World Water Day, which is celebrated on March
22, 2009.
    "Water is an important issue for Indigenous peoples around the world, and
First Nations in Canada are no exception," said National Chief Fontaine. "Most
Canadians take clean drinking water for granted but First Nations cannot
always trust the water that comes out of their taps. There are currently 109
First Nations communities under drinking water advisories, which is an
increase since last July. This is unacceptable in a developed country like
Canada. The government of Canada has to join other countries at the United
Nations in recognizing the right to water as a basic human right."
    The National Chief noted that the theme of this year's World Water Day is
"Shared Water - Shared Opportunities", with a special focus on transboundary
waters.
    The National Chief stated: "Water knows no boundaries and is the life
blood of the planet. First Nations have always taken care of and used the
waterways. The transboundary transfer of water for commodity purposes is a
concern for us because it may affect our water rights and our access to and
enjoyment of the water for harvesting, transportation and as a potable water
supply."
    The National Chief noted that the recent federal budget bill, C-10,
includes changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act that could threaten
First Nations that rely on waterways. As well, the federal government's
proposal to develop new legislation on First Nations drinking water must not
proceed without first ensuring that facilities meet the required standards. In
both cases, First Nations must be consulted and accommodated.
    "First Nations have a right to be consulted and heard on any changes that
affect our lives, our rights and our rights to water," National Chief Fontaine
said. "This is consistent with Canadian law and the United Nations Declaration
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The AFN worked with the United Nations
University to develop an Indigenous Water Declaration at the World Water Forum
underway right now in Istanbul, Turkey. The AFN will be presenting the
declaration at the Forum as we believe it will benefit First Nations in
Canada, Indigenous peoples around the world and all peoples who believe in and
value the right to water."

    World Water Day originated at the 1992 United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.

    The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing
First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Don Kelly, A/Communications Director, Assembly
of First Nations, [phone] ext. 334, cell: [phone],
[e-mail]