Amid mounting frustration, Whetung and other Indigenous leaders have launched national class-action lawsuits against the federal government. Arguing the federal government failed to provide clean water and forced communities to live in a manner “consistent with life in developing countries” they are suing the government for C$2.1bn (US1.7bn) damages – the costs associated with years of bottled water trucked and a water treatment system for the whole community.

Dozens of Canada’s First Nations lack drinking water: ‘Unacceptable in a country so rich’

Indigenous leaders are suing the Canadian government for not providing clean water – and ministers admit they have failed