There is no end in sight to the COVID crisis in Bearskin Lake.
Timmins-James Bay NDP MP Charlie Angus held a media briefing with local and regional first nation leaders Friday to demand immediate federal support.
Cases have reached an unprecedented rate and health officials believe it will only get worse.
Chief Lefty Kamenawatamin says they are almost at a breaking point and everyone in the community is both mentally and physically exhausted.
Kamenawatamin stresses they have 30 front-line staff doing everything on the ground.
He notes the situation was made worse Thursday as the First Nation suffered through a two hour power outage in minus 30 temperatures.
Frank McKay is with the Windigo Tribal Council and says they are in urgent need of basic needs.
“Fire wood, food and water, and on-the ground personnel to replace the community workers who have now become sick. Also in need of mental health support services. A lot of fear, anxiety and stress that comes with this.”
McKay says the people of Bearskin Lake can’t last much longer.
He says the federal government has pledged funding but stresses it was slow to come and only happened after numerous meetings, consultations and lobbying.
A State of Emergency was declared December 28.
One resident echoed the comments of McKay.
“We’re overwhelmed. We need assistance in all categories. Medical, transportation, personnel, food, water, vehicles…the list goes on and on.”
He says the local health care system is currently decapitated and exhausted front-line workers can no longer function.
The individual pointed out the government did announce they would subsidize some efforts and give them $1.1 million.
However, he notes transportation alone it costs $25,000 to send in a charter with 16 personnel.
He says there estimates is Bearskin Lake would need $1 million worth of charters alone to address getting people on the ground.
That doesn’t include groceries, water, as well as medical supplies.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo issued the following statement:
“I have been following the COVID-19 crisis in Bearskin Lake with deep concern.
I have spoken to Chief Kamenawatamin about his community’s needs, and joined his call for the government to move more quickly to mobilize support.
My staff has also been in touch with the Ministry of Indigenous Services for updates, and our Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Indigenous Services has been fully briefed.
It is clear that the people of Bearskin Lake cannot wait any longer for support. The military needs to be sent in as soon as possible to assist community members.
In the longer term, we need to invest in improved healthcare and housing in remote and Indigenous communities, to ensure they are prepared for future public health emergencies.
I’d like to commend the residents of surrounding communities who have fundraised, chartered planes, and braved freezing weather in trucks and skidoos to deliver supplies to Bearskin Lake. Thank you for stepping up.
It is past time for the government to step up as well.”
This comes at a time that Ontario is calling on further support to help the community.
A letter was penned from the province’s Solicitor General Sylvia Jones to federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.
Jones notes assistance is needed in a variety of areas, including providing critical services to community residents, looking after wellness and physical checks for dangers and logistical support for needed supplies.
In the community of 480, more than 200 cases of COVID-19 have been detected.
Community leaders say there are about 20 people left healthy enough to run vital municipal services.
The federal government responded on Twitter:
Supports continue to be available in Bearskin Lake as the Request for Assistance from the Province of ON was received last night. Officials remain in daily contact to confirm and respond to their needs during this very challenging time.
On the ground supports ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/uyFhE3uQ2r
— Patty Hajdu (@PattyHajdu) January 7, 2022
This evening, we received a formal request for assistance from @ONGov for Bearskin Lake First Nation. Officials at @Safety_Canada and Indigenous Services Canada will work closely and quickly to ensure the community receives support during their time of need. https://t.co/ddjnYP4OuN
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) January 7, 2022
(With Files From Kevin Jeffrey: Thunder Bay)
