In a public statement issued on 20 December 2011, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples expressed his concern regarding the reportedly dire social and economic conditions of the Attawapiskat First Nation, which seemingly exemplifies the conditions of many aboriginal communities in the country. According to information received, many of this First Nation’s approximately 1,800 members live in unheated shacks or trailers, with no running water. This is particularly serious during the winter season where temperatures are as low as -28 Celsius. In a communication sent to the Canadian government, the Special Rapporteur requested information on the government’s efforts in responding to the situation at Attawapiskat First Nation as well as in responding to concerns over unequal funding of First Nations communities, as compared to non-Aboriginal towns and cities, and the effects this has on the ability of First Nations to attend to the social and economic needs of their members.