Five Manitoba First Nations reach major milestones in improving access to safe drinking water

June 23, 2026 — Winnipeg, Treaty 1 Territory, Manitoba — Indigenous Services Canada

Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, on behalf of the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, joined Long Plain First Nation to celebrate the completion of upgrades to and an expansion of its water treatment plant. Minister Chartrand also announced major milestones in improving access to safe and reliable drinking water in First

Nations across Manitoba. The five projects she is highlighting are helping improve the daily lives, health, and well-being of approximately 9,525 community members living on reserve.

Together, these milestones highlight the progress being made across Manitoba to strengthen drinking water infrastructure in First Nations communities. Each project reflects years of First Nations leadership, technical expertise, and collaboration to build systems that communities can rely on now and into the future. 

Indigenous Services Canada contributed more than $122.2 million to support these water infrastructure projects.

• Long Plain First Nation completed upgrades to and an expansion of its water treatment plant.
• Tataskweyak Cree Nation has built a new water treatment plant.
• Berens River First Nation has completed upgrades to and an expansion of its water treatment system, allowing the community to lift its drinking water advisory in January 2026.
• Misipawistik Cree Nation completed upgrades to and an expansion of its water treatment plant.
• Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve is nearing completion for repairs and upgrades to the water treatment plant.

These projects reflect sustained progress and continued collaboration to strengthen water systems, reduce health risks, and support community confidence in local infrastructure.

Quotes

“The progress we’re celebrating today is the result of years of First Nations leadership, collaboration, and dedicated work on the ground. These projects are improving the daily lives of families and strengthening the water systems that communities rely on every day. While there is still work ahead, we will continue investing in the infrastructure, operators, and long-term supports that First Nations need to ensure reliable access to clean, safe drinking water for generations to come.”

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

“It is a privilege to collaborate with these First Nations and witness their leadership and vision first-hand as we build solutions. These projects are helping provide safe, clean drinking water for community members and will assist in protecting the health and well-being of future generations, so that these five communities can plan, grow, and thrive.”

The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand
Minister of Arctic and Northern Affairs

"We have seen real progress on our water infrastructure. After years of problems, the new system will assist our Nation to draw water from a safe source. We look forward to working with the Government of Canada to continue to build our community’s water infrastructure, with the goal of finally lifting the 9-year boil water advisory in Tataskweyak Cree Nation." 

Chief Doreen Spence
Tataskweyak Cree Nation

"It's been a long and arduous journey, and while there remains much to do, our Nation is continuing to make progress with the Government of Canada to address our safe drinking water needs for the foreseeable future."

Chief Barry Mckay
Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve

“We’re very grateful for the Minister to come to Long Plain, and to announce what she had, and to participate in our community. I think it's very important that Ministers and Members have of Parliament come into the communities to visit with us and to share with us and so that we can, we can show our development and our opportunities, but also listen to the needs of of our community. And I think that's so important that they do these things and participate locally.”

Chief David Meeches
Long Plain First Nation

Quick facts

• As of June 23, 2026, First Nations, with support from Indigenous Services Canada, have lifted 156 long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves. There are plans in place to address the 38 active long-term drinking water advisories in 36 communities.

• Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Berens River First Nation, and Misipawistik Cree Nation are located in Treaty 5 territory. Long Plain First Nation is located in Treaty 1 territory, and Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve is located in Treaty 2 territory.