Leaders Visit Northern First Nation

The Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is weighing in on the state of emergency in Fort Hope.
Phil Fontaine says he feels for the Northern community and understands that it’s a huge challenge.
Fontaine says the arson’s and murders in the community all stem from poverty and notes it’s going to take all Canadians to work towards eradicating poverty in First Nation communities.
Meanwhile, the wives of the Governor General and Ontario’s Lieutenant General toured the community Thursday and First Nation leaders in the area say they’re now confident their calls for help aren’t falling on deaf ears.
Stan Beardy, Grand Chief of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, also visited Fort Hope First Nation and stresses its important that the First Nation has attracted the attention of both level’s of Government.
Beardy says the first step is raising awareness and Canadians need to know that some of the country’s communities are facing difficult challenges with prescription drug abuse.