Six Nations of the Grand River taking legal action over drinking water supply

A Six Nations of the Grand River sign. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener)

Six Nations of the Grand River is taking the Government of Canada to court over what it says is a “failure to ensure a reliable supply of safe drinking water” to homes in the community.

The reserve announced Thursday it had filed a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court.

In a media release, Six Nations said it is seeking a court order requiring Ottawa to take immediate steps to fix the problem.

“It will also require Canada to provide financial compensation for the harm to the community from their past failures,” it read. “This harm includes harm to health, increased fear and anxiety over inability to access safe drinking water, and loss of connection to our culture, particularly as a result of those members who have had to move away from the community because of this issue.”

CTV News reached out to Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.

In an email they said: “Everyone in Canada should have access to safe and clean drinking water. The Government of Canada respects the choice of First Nations, including Six Nations of the Grand River, to seek the court’s assistance on the important issue of safe drinking water. The Government of Canada is working with First Nations communities, including Six Nations of the Grand River, to support access to safe and clean drinking water on reserve.”

Six Nations admitted in their release that, as the claim has just been filed, a resolution may be years away.

The community is being asked to share their struggles with accessing safe and reliable drinking water as part of the litigation process.

CTV News reached out to Six Nations of the Grand River but they declined to comment further as the matter “is now before the court.”