In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

State of emergency declared in Attawapiskat

(Winnipeg Free Press) A situation that MP Charlie Angus describes as “Ground Zero of Canadian Tragedy,” can be found in a remote area of Northern Ontario. Attawapiskat suffers from an acute housing shortage. The situation is so dire that many residents are forced to live in tents and teepees despite the imminent arrival of winter.  Sadly this situation is not unique. Many other aboriginal communities in northern Manitoba and Ontario suffer in similar conditions. It is estimated that 80,000 new homes are needed across Canada to fix the First Nation’s housing situation. Many aboriginal people currently live without electricity or running water.

1.

With a wealth of resources how did this happen?

DeBeers’ Victor Diamond Project
From 2008 to 2009, 2.9 million carets of Diamonds were mined near the Attawapiskat community. A lot of money has been invested into and taken out of this area. Of the $1 billion spent on the construction of the Victor mine, $167 million went to Aboriginal businesses and joint venture partners. It is estimated that $6.7 billion will be added to the GDP of Ontario during the life of this mine. Somehow, in the coverage of the Attawapiskat's financial woes, nobody is talking about this issue.

2.

A project for better education on First Nations

Shannen’s Dream
Attawapiskat may have just started to show up in the mainstream media, but like many First Nation communities, it has suffered from issues for a long time. Shannen Koostachin, from Attawapiskat, campaigned to get the federal government to provide safe and culturally based education to the children of First Nations. Sadly Koostachin passed away in 2010 at the age of 15. But others have taken up her cause. They are currently attempting to raise money and attention.

3.

Canadian Red Cross answers the call

Red Cross News Release
The Canadian Red Cross stepped-up after a state of emergency was declared for Attawapiskat. They are offering to provide donation management for the community which has been swamped with offers of assistance since stories began to run in the media. The Red Cross is also focusing on getting supplies to help with the harsh winter weather that residents are already beginning to face.

4.

Opposition turns up the heat

NDP Slams Conservatives

The NDP has been very vocal in the news about the crisis in Attawapiskat. Nycole Turmel, Leader of the NDP, visited the community. She describes the living conditions of hundreds of families as horrible. Turmel promised that the NDP would continue to work with the NDP until all families live in decent housing. NDP criticize the Harper government for ignoring the terrible situations that families are in.

5.

True North Aid lends a hand

True North Aid makes plans for second delivery of supplies
True North Aid, an Evangelistic Association, is asking for donations for a second round of aid. This time they’re focusing on supplies that will help people survive the harsh conditions that come with the onset of winter. Temperatures have already dropped 20 degrees since their first shipment of donations was sent.  True North Aid sent a load of food and clothing in September, before news of the situation broke in the mainstream media.