“Kitigan Zibi Waters” SAMAQAN Season 3 Episode 29

Kitigan Zibi, formerly known as Maniwaki, Québec is at the confluence of the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers. Surrounded by rivers and lakes, it's the traditional territory of the Anishinabeg and Algonquin people. And it's here that residents face challenges from the presence of uranium and radium in their water. Health Canada's response to the testing was to issue a No Water Consumption order and institute a delivery program of water in heavy plastic carboys, a solution not entirely practical for everyone's needs. Chief Gilbert Whiteduck and community members worked together to create a centralized water system that connects 40% of the residents to a secure water system. The rest of the community receives its water from wells. Community members give a tour of their waste-water treatment plant. They ensure the water they use is properly treated before it's returned to the river and are concerned that industrial projects in their territory such as clear-cut logging and mining are more concerned with economics than long-term protection of the land.

This documentary from “SAMAQAN: Water Stories” Series 3, looks deeper at water's role in culture, spirituality and life itself for North America's First Nations people.

Directed by: Marianne Jones, Jeff Bear
Produced by: Marianne Jones, Kristy Assu, Jeff Bear