First Nations communities are faced with a great many problems. Living and housing conditions are among the most pressing. In fact, our conditions are often compared to those found in the Third World.
A few examples: 25% of First Nations children are raised in poverty (compared to just 16% of the rest of the Canadian population), and overall First Nations members are three times as likely as other Canadians to live in poverty. In addition, over half of First Nations members are currently unemployed.
As regards First Nations housing, one unit in six is overpopulated. Around 50 % of these units are prone to mould, which represents a serious health risk. Finally, more than 100 First Nations communities are obliged to boil their water before they drink it.
These living and housing conditions undoubtedly have a negative effect on young people’s ability to learn. Astonishingly, no fewer than 70 % of young people in First Nations will fail to graduate high school.
To denounce this situation and improve life and housing conditions in First Nations communities, the CEPN and the APNQL held a competition of photography in their member communities. This competition allowed three young amateur photographers to participate in a large-scale project; to make their passion known and the hard reality of life in their community. The three winners are from Kitcisakik:
- Mani Sigon Papatie
- Tracy Stella Brazeau
- Kathleen Penosway
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 Courtesi of Michel Bourget |
Read the article of Journal de Québec (in french only) »»
Read the article of Canoë (in french only) »»
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