Eskasoni to provide bottled water for Potlotek First Nation

First Nations communities are stepping in to assistPotlotekas it struggles with its water emergency.

EskasoniFirst Nation is delivering 20,000litres of water to the Chapel Island band. Members discovered thick, black liquid coming out their taps Tuesday.

"It's part of being in a Mi'kmaq community. We always help each other, we try to provide support and everything," said Eskasoni spokesman George Paul.

'We need lots of water'

The Aboriginal Atlantic Policy Congress ismeeting this week in Halifax andthe dirty water situation inPotlotekwas at the top of their list of concerns.

Paul said EskasoniChief LeroyDennyasked, "What can we do right now to help you guys?" andthe answer from Potlotekwas "we need water, we need lots of water."

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The water being provided byEskasoniwill consist of26 pallets of four-litre jugs.

"We're a close-knit community. I have family there. A lot of people have family there," said Paul.

Health Canada insists water is OK

Potlotekistelling its membersnot to drink or cook with the water due to high levels of iron and manganese even thoughHealth Canada says those mineral levels will not have an impact on health.

It does acknowledge they canaffect the colour, taste and odour of the water.

PotlotekChiefWilbertMarshall saysofficials from Health Canada andIndigenous and Northern Affairs as well as a group of engineers are scheduled to come to the First Nations community Oct. 4.

Band memberBernadetteMarshall she'd like to see an environmental study completed.

People are angry

"I would like to see people being tested onhow much mineral count they have in their bodies. You know, everybody needs minerals in their body, but how much are we overdosed with," said Marshall.

She said funding fromIndigenous and Northern Affairs will allow members to shower inthe nearby community of St. Peter's soon butpeople are angry.

"We've always believed what the government said,that it's safe drinking water.Now we're told [by the band] that it's not safe," said Marshall.

"That you can't even cook with it anymore, you can't bathe in it anymore, so we need help here. We're in desperate need for help."

'We need a long-term fix'

Premier StephenMcNeilsaid his government is in discussions with federal ministers to see what can be done.

"No one in this day and age should be in that position. We recognize that," saidMcNeil.

"We need a long-term fix and there's a substantial amount of work that will be required."