Chief of Dettah Ernest Betsina says the Yellowknives Dene First Nation is working with the NWT government to “immediately address” elevated lead in water at the community’s school.
Late on Tuesday, the GNWT said levels of lead beyond Health Canada guidelines had been found in Kaw Tay Whee School’s water.
The NWT’s chief public health officer has banned the use of water from taps and a fountain at the school while work is carried out to replace affected infrastructure. It’s at least the fourth school on Chief Drygeese Territory to fail similar tests in recent months.
Alternative drinking water is being brought in. So far, there’s no suggestion of a broader lead concern in Dettah’s water beyond the school.
“YKDFN is working with Public Health and other departments to immediately address the issue including replacing affected fixtures, installing proper filtration, conducting follow-up testing and sharing results quickly with YKDFN leadership, the school and families,” the First Nation stated on Wednesday evening.
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“Nothing is more important than the safety of our children,” Chief Betsina was quoted as saying.
“Our members trust us to protect their well-being. We expect the government to move quickly, fix the problem and be transparent every step of the way.
“YKDFN will be at the table for all decisions, and we will make sure our families are kept informed.”
The GNWT has embarked on territory-wide testing of school water for lead after issues at three Yellowknife schools earlier this year.
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So far, the exact details of that schedule aren’t known. Tests in Dettah were some of the first to take place under the new program.
“Safe, clean drinking water is a basic right for every child in Chief Drygeese Territory,” the First Nation wrote.
“YKDFN will push for long-term solutions so this does not happen again.”
