Water service was restored to the Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba on Wednesday.

The Pembina Valley Water Co-operative shut off service on Tuesday, citing four months of unpaid bills. Most homes on the reserve, along with some businesses, schools, a senior home and the fire department were affected.

"This is a safety issue that is affecting our citizens — there are elderly people on dialysis and a new baby just born," Chief Terry Nelson said in response. "This is an act of terrorism against our community."

Nelson admitted he knew the water shut off was coming but blamed the unpaid bill situation on the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. He said the band's federal funding has been cut in half as punishment for some successful business ventures.

The band paid $50,000 to the co-op and the Manitoba Public Utilities Board told the co-op to turn the water back on, citing public health and safety.

Get the Story:
Water service restored on Manitoba reserve (CBC 6/18)
Water shut-off on Manitoba reserve an 'act of terrorism': chief (CBC 6/18)

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First Nation in Manitoba loses water service (6/18)