TheChronicleHerald reports from northern Ontario, Canada, residents of Attawapiskat First Nation reserve may be housed in a retrofitted sports complex and healing center until a more permanent housing solution can be determined, or they may be evacuated. The problem stems from a 2009 sewage backup which forced Attawapiskat families from their homes. The government would not pay for the evacuation so the tribe paid for it, forcing it into debt. In a letter to Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, aboriginal affairs minister John Duncan offered the two options until the winter roads open and 15 modular homes can be delivered to house the families living in shacks and tents. The federal government in Ottawa removed the band’s control of its finances, and the band told the government-appointed manager to leave the reserve. Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louittit said he is reviewing the letter with community leaders and hopes they can work with the minister to solve the housing problem. Duncan also offered wood stoves, compost toilets, cots and additional health care resources to the community of 2,000 near James Bay.
(Graphic credit: Wikipedia)