"New water system may be developed here"

Six Nations may be on its way to developing a new water filtration system that could see the community become a test site for a computerized high tech system that could be sold to aboriginal communities across the country.

Nova Six Inc., is a new business venture launched by the Six Nations Research Department, who have already launched their lands research computer program "Geo-Systems," to help pay the costs of the department. The department's funding was cut when Six Nations launched its multi-million dollar land claim suit against the federal government.

Nova Six Inc., is a joint venture headed by a board of directors that include lands research employees and members of J.G. Roger Leroux and his company Nova Aqua. Six Nations would own 51 percent of the controlling interest in Nova Six Inc.

Lands Research director Phil Montour told council the Nova Six Project could be the answer to Six Nations water problems. "But we're going to put them through all the hoops before we sign anything," he told council.

He said if the system does perform as expected once tests are completed at the Six Nations water filtration plant, where water is being tested in a closed test area, aboriginal people would be trained to manufacture and operate the systems.

"We would manufacture them right here at Six Nations and sell them to aboriginal people across Canada and around the world."

He told council, "what we need tonight, is your approval to go ahead and look for funding to get the test site going."

The computerized filtration system would cost communities about $750,000 to buy a unit that would provide up to 200,000 gallons of water a day.

Roger Leroux told council Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) had expressed an interest in the project and was willing to provide funding to develop a system at Six Nations, at no cost to council.

He said any possible buyers would then visit Six Nations to see the system at work.

Sam Hill, spokesman for the project said Six Nations would end up with quality water and a full system at no cost. "There would be jobs for local people manufacturing the system." He said revenue would be created and a capital pool could be developed that council could use to launch other projects.

Leroux said during tests at the Six Nations water plant the system detected more NOMA in Six Nations water. "What ever system you are using right now it's not doing its job."

Montour told council it has problems with water and sewage. "The septic systems at the schools are in trouble. It's good to get in business to make things better down here."

Council passed a resolution approving of searching for funding for the project.