By NC Raine, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 30/07/2024 Safe drinking water is an expectation, especially in Canada, but for the Star Blanket Cree Nation it is a life-changing event worth celebrating. Thanks to a new $10.5 million water treatment station all 112 homes on Star Blanket Cree Nation (SBCN) and neighbouring reserves finally have access to clean, drinkable water. “The water now tastes phenomenal,” said SBCN Councilor Matthew Nokusis. “It’s like drinking store-bought water.” For 17 years, clean drinking water was a luxury for hundreds living on the First Nation. “I didn’t trust it because it didn’t look right,” said Nokusis about the water before the construction of the water treatment station. “I didn’t even let my dog consume the water because it was brown. I’d rather let him drink from…