Attawapiskat First Nation Sewage

An official of the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario says Indian Affairs has no plan to relocate residents living in contaminated homes.

However, a department spokeswoman says Indian Affairs officials are in the remote community today to assess the situation, and people could be relocated within the community.

Deputy Chief Theresa Spence says a state of emergency has been declared following the failure of the community's primary sewage lift station on July 11th.

Spence says nearly 70 residents are living in contaminated homes.

Those affected range from babies to elders, many of whom were already facing significant health problems.

Indian Affairs had earlier refused to evacuate residents who became ill from fumes after a school was demolished.