Treaty 2 Territory – Chief Norman Bone speaks the importance of Water/Wastewater in our local Nations throughout Treaty 2 Territory.
Chief Norman Bone of the Keeseekoowenin First Nation attended the 2019 First Nations Water and Wastewater Initiative Conference held on September 11, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Chief Bone shared the importance of water management from a community and Treaty 2 Territory capacity. Leadership and community water management employees were invited to the two-day event. Chief Bone mentioned: “…having the information being presented to us simultaneously will help us in having a good discussion right on the grounds about issues related to our water plant or lagoon, and our individual systems we have…” The conference allowed for leadership to understand how the water management systems work and operate in the communities
It is important for communities to have input on the waterways in and around the communities. Communities have water flowing through them, Chief Bone indicates: “we have to pay good interests to that quality of water…we could do that through the Treaty 2 Governance…having a direct say as to how we can ensure that we have quality water.” Chief Bone shared his thoughts on how it is important to understand scientific ways of water use and management, and more importantly our own people who know the conditions of the land and water.
This would allow Indigenous people to teach ourselves how to manage water. Chief Bone states: “water is sacred, we believe that, we understand that, we live that.” It is okay for us to use technology in water management. By using traditional and modern ways of water management, we will have the ability to handle the water systems we have today. Chief Bone mentions: “we have to teach each other, and teach ourselves…these conferences allow us to become more proactive…” If First Nations could understand water management, we will be able to provide good services for their homes, the children, and communities.
By Ray Mousseau, FNT2T Communications Keeper
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Last modified: September 20, 2019
