First Nation communities feel they are being ignored

Peguis First Nation has been fighting to get flood mitigation measures and better housing for years, but some say nothing has changed, begging the question as to why First Nation communities, like Peguis, are repeatedly ignored. 

Peguis First Nation has endured persistent flooding over the years, resulting in damage to infrastructure and housing. After years of repeated calls to get flood mitigation measures in place, and better housing, nothing has been done to make change.

“This would not be acceptable in any other type of community, but for some reason, it seems to be allowed in First Nation communities,” said Kyle Mason, Indigenous Speaker & Advocate.

“It shouldn’t matter if it’s a First Nation, or a town, or an RM, or a city. Everyone in Canada deserves the same services.”

Mason still has family living in the community. He says it’s very frustrating to see nothing being done to fix the situation.

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“It’s hard to plan your life from year to year when you don’t know if you are going to be in your home or how bad the floods are going to be or how far the floods will expand or if the roads will be in place. It throws everything off.”

Peguis First Nation has struggled for over a century to receive compensation for the lands it lost after European settlers arrived in Manitoba. Sean Carleton says this entire situation is a historical injustice.

“Just the historical pattern of floods in recent history. We need to remember that there have been five major floods in the last 20 years. We know what the problem is. The issue is that there is a lack of political will to deal with the flood mitigation and prevention strategies because it costs money,” said Carleton.

Hundreds of Peguis members are still unable to return home, and the community has since filed a $1 billion flood damages lawsuit against the feds, the province, and two rural municipalities.

“You know, you look at other countries, for example, when a catastrophic event happens, there is some form of intervention. Canada prides itself on bringing those people here. It’s called a humanitarian crisis. That’s what’s been in happening in our community, but we are ignored,” said Dr. Stan Bird, Chief of Peguis First Nation.