Oneida Nation of the Thames signs $43M clean water deal with federal government

Clean and sustainable drinking water is one step closer for Oneida Nation of the Thames.

The community has struck a deal with the federal government to tap into Lake Huron’s water supply system via a pipeline from the nearby municipality of Strathroy via the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) investing over $43 million to support the design and construction phases of this project.

Oneida held a water ceremony before making the official announcement.

Chief Todd Cornelius donned a ceremonial feather head-dress, and clutched an eagle feather to signify the importance of the occasion.

“This is a day that we identify ourself as a Haudenosaunee person, as a Oneida person working to better our nation and our territory,” said Cornelius.Chief Todd Cornelius and Brandon Doxtator World Water Day at Oneida Nation of the Thames on March 22, 2023. (Source: Oneida Nation of the Thames)

A news release from the Oneida Nation said, “The new connection to the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System will provide reliable and sustainable access to safe drinking water to approximately 528 homes and all the existing community buildings in Oneida Nation of the Thames.”

The capacity of the First Nation’s existing piped distribution system will also be upgraded and expanded to deliver potable water and water for fire protection to the existing core community and homes planned for future development.

A boil water advisory has been in effect in the community since September of 2019. Oneida resident Sandra Doxtator told CTV News it’s been much longer since she’s dared to drink it.

“I’ve never drank the water for a lot of years, you know, over 15, 20 years,” she explained. “It just has a… it has a certain taste to it.”

According to Oneida, the water infrastructure project will take 18 to 24 months. “Once completed, there will be clean drinking water directly into the homes of the Oneida community.”

Sandra Doxtator said it can’t come soon enough. “I think that will be good for our community, to drink clean water, you don’t have to worry.”