What language do they speak in Attawapiskat?
Language. Almost all of the Aboriginal population of Attawapiskat speak the Swampy Cree language, one of the varieties of the Cree language, as their first language. Many elders understand very little English; they speak Cree and other Aboriginal languages.
What happened to Attawapiskat?
In April 2016 when news broke of a suicide crisis in the remote Canadian First Nations reserve of Attawapiskat, Ontario, the world momentarily took notice. Media outlets from around the globe reported on the story of hundreds of suicide attempts in a town of under 2,000 people.
When was Attawapiskat founded?
Catholic priests founded Attawapiskat in 1893 and promised another dream.
What is it like living in Attawapiskat?
“They still live in third world conditions, with dilapidated housing, and lack access to quality healthcare and education.” Two- and three-bedroom homes are often shared by 15 people and riddled with black mould. Attawapiskat land is home to a diamond mine, but the community has seen little benefit, said Fiddler.
What is wrong with the water in Attawapiskat?
As a result, Attawapiskat tap water now poses serious health risks due to the high levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), toxic byproducts of disinfecting chemicals used in the process of treating water.
What are the main issues in Attawapiskat?
The many crises facing residents of Attawapiskat, including youth suicide, housing, and now water, are emblematic of the many struggles plaguing First Nations across Canada.
Where did Shannen Koostachin live?
New Liskeard, Ontario
When she was 14, Shannen Koostachin moved 600 km away to New Liskeard, Ontario, to join her older sister, Serena, to obtain their high school education. They lived with Charlie Angus, New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Timmins-James Bay, for a year.
How do I get to Attawapiskat?
However, you can take the car ferry to Billy Bishop Airport Ferry Terminal, take the walk to Billy Bishop Toronto City airport, fly to Fort Albany, then take the drive to Attawapiskat First Nation.
Where is the Statue of Shannen Koostachin?
The bronze monument, located in New Liskeard, Ontario, honours the life of Shannen Koostachin, who died in a car crash in June 2010 not far from town.
How many First Nations in Ontario have clean water?
They exist for 134 water systems—90 of them in Ontario Province—in 85 First Nations reserves across Canada, as of January 2016. Many of these drinking water advisories for reserves persist for years, sometimes for decades.
How old is Shannen Koostachin?
Shannen Koostachin was tragically killed in 2010 shortly before her 16th birthday when the minivan in which she was a passenger collided with a transport truck on Highway 11, near Temagami, south of New Liskeard.