The housing crisis in northern Ontario’s First Nations community Attawapiskat has received international media coverage. The above video highlights the severe housing shortage and deplorable conditions many are forced to live in. According to the federal government more than $50,000 has been spent per person in the community leaving the public bewildered at how these conditions continue. Another interesting fact is that 90 km away, DeBeers operates Ontario’s first ever diamond mine on “lease” from the Attawapiskat community. The mine employs approximately 500 people of which 100 are from Attawapiskat.
How long can we continue to benefit from the resources and land extracted from First Nations people while ignoring their struggles.
Live simply, so that others may simply live.
Interesting links:
DeBeers rep speaks on Attawapiskat crisis
Canada’s First Nations: a scandal where the victims are blamed
Tags: Attawapiskat, CBC Morning North, DeBeers, diamond mine, Housing crisis, Northern Ontario, Ontario, The Guardian