THUNDER BAY - Students at St. Pius Elementary School wrapped up their time at the school in important fashion.
On Tuesday, St. Pius students held a presentation talking about the issue of clean drinking water in remote First Nations communities, with MP Patty Hajdu and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler on hand.
“Even though we’re young, we want to make a change,” Jahmai Moskotaywenene said on behalf of his peers.
The presentation highlighted the clean water issues, and called on the government to help fund infrastructure, and implement training for members of the communities.
The students hoped the message of their presentation would get across to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Hajdu plans to make that a reality.
“I’m going to do exactly what they asked,” said Hajdu. “I have an opportunity to see him this summer so I’ll be personally hand-delivering the (presentation) to his office.”
Trudeau later promised he'd listen, in a Twitter response to his cabinet minister.
"Thanks Patty. I’m looking forward to reading it, hearing their ideas and getting back to them," Trudeau tweeted.
Jahmai Moskotaywenene was the last speaker, and for him the topic hit close to home.
Jamhai comes from Sachigo Lake, a fly-in First Nation located in the Kenora district which has been under a boil advisory since June 2016.
“When I’m in Thunder Bay we just drink the water right away without even thinking about it,” Jahmai said.
“I think the government should use the fastest plan they have to fix it, especially because it's Canada’s 150th birthday.”
Hajdu said the government shares the students concerns and are working diligently in a number of ways.
“One of the things I loved about the presentation was when they talked about the skills and training… That’s something I’m directly responsible for.”
“We’ve had a number of proposals recently to ensure Indigenous people are trained on water treatment,” Hajdu said.
Fiddler said NAN has 22 communities under a boil-water advisory, and he hopes the presentation will help send a message.
“I think anytime a community is on boil advisory -- whether it’s one or 20 -- it’s unacceptable.”
Hearing students address the issue was a sign of a better future according to Fiddler.
“I was impressed with their work and their words and we will convey that to our leadership… I’m sure it will get on the prime minister’s radar very quickly.”
