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Report Blames Systemic Issues For First Nation Fire Deaths

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First Nation residents in Ontario are ten times more likely to die in a house fire than people who live in the rest of the province.

That’s according to a new review from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, which found there were 56 fatalities in 29 fires over a ten-year period ending in 2017.

The report also shows that children under the age of ten are 86 times more likely to be killed by fire than people living off-reserve.

The review was sparked by the deaths of 14 people in house fires in 2016, including nine in one household on Pikangikum First Nation.

It suggests there are a number of reasons for First Nation fire deaths, including a lack of fire suppression capabilities on remote First Nations and few smoke alarms.

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Immediate Call For Action From Lac Seul

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Lac Seul First Nation continues to demand action from the Crown to address an ongoing issue of its eroding sacred ancestral burial sites along the shores of Lac Seul.

Officials say erosion began with the illegal flooding of the reserve and traditional lands in 1929 when the Ear Falls Dam was built to supply hydroelectric power to Ontario and Manitoba.

They stress no legal authorization was ever obtained for the flooding of the land.

Officials say community members have repeatedly faced the emotional burden of reburying eroded remains and witnessing destruction of their burial sites for over 90 years.

The First Nation has been seeking assistance to resolve the issue but they say the provincial and federal governments have not taken responsibility or offered any meaningful support.

Most recently, the First Nation sought help from Canada in 2006 and 2011, but the government failed to respond.

Chief Derek Maud says for over 90 years, this issue has been ignored by Canada, Ontario and Manitoba and it continues to be ignored.

Maud says the illegal flooding of their land was horrific enough, and the continued uncovering of ancestral remains is an on-going and appalling reminder.

He adds if the Crown is sincere about reconciliation with First Nations and honouring the Treaty relationship, it must take action immediately.

“The First Nation finds it disappointing and unacceptable that Canada has not acknowledged or addressed this outstanding grievance, particularly when Canada caused and had known about the grievance for almost a century. Lac Seul First Nation’s Chief and Council are again calling on Canada, Ontario, and Manitoba to come forward to work with the First Nation to develop an immediate shoreline and gravesite protection strategy.”

The Council says it has confirmed that further burial sites are still at immediate risk of exposure and that further community suffering can be avoided if the Crown fulfills its duty to First Nations and swiftly work with the community to implement a lasting solution.

In 1977, Chief Ningewance, a former Chief of Lac Seul First Nation, presented the gravesite erosion issue publicly before the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment.

He stated “Everyday, of every month, for the past few years, the remains of my forefathers have been washing up from their sacred burial grounds. There they sit on the edge of our lake, disturbed from what was to have been their eternal resting place. The remains act as a constant reminder that Indians pay a harsh price when the white man an the white man’s power visit the land of my people. We were never given full compensation for the flooding. And were never given the resources to move our ancestors’ graves and save them from a watery destruction. None of us understood that our sacred burial grounds would be mangled and destroyed. We were never told.”

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Northern Clean Energy Projects Receive Funding

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The federal government is spending $13 million to support six clean energy projects for northern Ontario First Nations.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu made the announcement Monday.

“People need to thrive, they need to be safe, they need to feel secure, and they need to feel like they have been included in the economy. All of those things actually create better outcomes for all of Canada. This is why I am a federal politician because I profoundly believe that.”

The Thunder Bay-Superior North MP adds “Indigenous people have had centuries of experience protecting the environment. Their solutions to ensuring a strong economy and healthy forests are invaluable. We’ll continue to work with First Nations to ensure they have the tools they determine they need to foster healthy and prosperous communities grounded in culture.”

The funding comes from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program: BioHeat Stream.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler knows this will help what is already an uphill battle for his residents.

“Address all of the infrastructure needs of our communities including hydro, power and heating of our homes. Many of our homes in these communities still rely on wood.”

Here is a list of the recipients:
-$1,670,000 to Askii Environmental Incorporated to install biomass heating systems in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation and Pikangikum First Nation
-$2,452,750 to Wikwemikong Development Commission to install pellet stoves, biomass boilers, wood pellet furnaces and wood pellet storage silos
-$2,532,000 to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to replace existing woodstove heating appliances with upgraded high-efficiency woodstoves
-$1,051,000 to Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek to replace the community’s sawmill diesel heat source with a biomass system and install biomass-compatible heating systems in three new housing units
-$4,168,000 to Sagatay Cogeneration Limited Partnership to develop engineering plans for a biomass co-generation system
-$983,000 to Wahgoshig First Nation to install a forest-based biomass heating system for four community buildings

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Five New COVID-19 Cases In Kasabonika

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There are five new cases of COVID-19 in Kasabonika Lake First Nation.

The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority were notified Tuesday of one positive case in the remote community.

Officials say there are now four other cases, all within the family of the original individual.

All of those infected are said to be doing well and are in self-isolation.

The Health Authority is working with local health staff to support those impacted and the entire First Nation.

Ontario is reporting 293 new cases of the coronavirus Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 45,676.

The case count is a slight decrease from Wednesday which saw 315 new cases but is higher than Tuesday, which saw 251 cases.

According to the report, 85 new cases were recorded in Toronto, 63 in Peel Region, 39 in Ottawa, 37 in York Region and 12 in Halton Region.

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Sioux Lookout Gives Permission For Key Education/Housing Project

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Sioux Lookout Municipal Council has approved the rezoning of property to allow the Independent First Nations Alliance proceed with a critical project.

The Alliance is taking steps to educate visiting high school students from Big Trout Lake and Muskrat Dam and keep them protected during COVID-19.

The students would usually be attending Sioux North High School but physical distancing guidelines have complicated things.

Chief Executive Officer Matthew Hoppe says two mobile trailers on Bernier Way will be used as a temporary classroom and office space, while a commercial property at 98 King Street will be renovated to accommodate a ten unit housing complex.

Hoppe talks about the next step.

“Finishing off the final touches of placement, location, site planning, of course working with the Municipality and of course our neighbours. In terms of just letting them know what’s going on. Communicating our plans and just providing the context of why we are doing this project. It’s all about helping these kids grow and give them the best chance to succeed.”

Some concerns were raised during a recent public meeting.

A 24 signature petition was presented but most on Council believed that the proper information wasn’t being effectively communicated.

Hoppe stresses his immediate priority is addressing the concerns of neighbours.

“Planning to go and do some door knocking and sharing some information, The same information I shared with Council in terms of some illustrations I used in a three pager that kind of explains the context and background of why we are doing this project and the long term plans.”

Hoppe adds “What we’re trying to do is provide resources for our students that helps them achieve success and grow in a positive way. So our big plan is just listening to the concerns that may be raised or that were raised and helping them understand where we’re coming from but at the same time work very diligently and responsively. To be transparent but also address those needs.”

He is thanking the community and council for their support as well as the leadership of Muskrat Dam and Big Trout Lake for their trust in caring for the students.

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Matawa Calling For $25 Million In Education Funding

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The Matawa First Nations are demanding millions in pandemic funding to make schools safe this fall.

The northern chiefs estimate that $25-million is needed for the upcoming school year to address areas of need for students in all nine communities represented by Matawa.

The detailed Matawa Emergency COVID-19 Education Response Plan includes itemized costing for the unique needs of Matawa schools that include (but are not limited to):

-Upgrading schools and staffing to meet new health and safety guidelines associated with COVID-19
-Increasing broadband connectivity (where required) to prepare schools for remote education (including consideration for low-income families unable to afford internet access and/or student learning devices)
-Providing appropriate mental health support to ensure a return to a safe and welcoming environment that supports learning
-Increased land-based learning
-Increased student transportation
-PPE supplies
-Student resources for additional home-based curriculum and learning materials
-Equipping schools with technological tools to provide instruction and professional development on use of technology
-Professional development on effective use of technology-based resources, managing students learning remotely, the ‘Flipped Classroom Approach’, cross-curricular planning, etc.
-Teacher equipment and resources that offer at home and synchronous learning opportunities to students as a regular part of their remote learning plan

Officials say the plan will be sent to the governments shortly.

Matawa Education Manager Sharon Nate says “In working with the Education Authorities in Matawa, it is clear that they are highly concerned about having no resources that would enable them to safely reopen their schools this September. The education gap cannot be widened once again by jeopardizing school years for our students.”

Constance Lake First Nation Chief Rick Allen says “While school boards in Ontario are currently canvassing parents on options for return to learning delivery models, our Education Authorities at this time barely have that option. There is no way around it, resources are needed to ensure the safety of our students. Time is running out for First Nations, there is only one and a half months left to the start of school.”

Webequie First Nation Chief Cornelius Wabasse says “The governments of Canada and Ontario must treat our students the same as all students in the country. This is not the time to focus on any perceived jurisdictional ambiguities between them when it comes to providing resources to educate First Nations students. The only focus during this coronavirus pandemic time is their safety and ensuring they can continue their studies.”

(With Files From Sheri Leviski-Kotyk)

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Historic Agreement To Advance Transfer Of Child Services

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The federal government has signed a protocol agreement with the Assembly of First Nations to outline how the two will move forward to give jurisdictional control of child and family services over to Indigenous communities.

The signing builds on the passing of Bill C-92 which came into effect in January to reduce the number of youth in care.

The agreement will let First Nations decide what is best for their children, their families, and their communities.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde says this is a historic turning point for Indigenous children and families.

“It’s under First Nations law and jurisdictions where we can start focusing on prevention. Making sure that the children are kept with their family in a loving, caring, nurturing home. That’s what this is all about. So it should make a difference in time. No question.”

Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller says “Just as the Act was co-developed with partners, the signing of this Protocol with the Assembly of First Nations will help ensure that discussions surrounding its implementation happen in a way that works for First Nations, and the children of their community. By formalizing discussions on the Act’s implementation, we are working together to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.”

The agreement will kick-start discussions as no funding has been attached.

Miller says “We have made budgetary requests. The prime minister has committed to amounts sufficient to allow communities to transition to affirm the authority over the children that have been taken into care.”

He adds “We need to increase resources so that we can engage and have those discussions with the rights holders. Communities that want to affirm their sovereign laws. And allocate resources accordingly so children aren’t taken out of communities and have the resources within the communities.”

Chief Perry Bellegarde points out “It’s needs based. Once the needs have been identified then clearly the necessary resources to meet the needs have to flow and then it’s our job to push the Crown that happens.”

Key elements of the Protocol include:

-A commitment to regular bilateral meetings on the Act and on the co-development of schedule and agenda;
-Support for the development of national distinctions-based policy through the establishment of the Joint National Working Group on Legislative Implementation in relation to First Nations;
-The development and creation of tools and mechanisms at the federal level to support implementation of the Act; and
-The establishment of a Joint Fiscal Table on First Nations Child and Family Services reform to explore and identify fiscal issues relevant to First Nations implementation of the legislation

Kevin Hart is the Manitoba Chief for the AFN and he provided the following comments:

https://twitter.com/Min_IndServ/status/1280498598657118221

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Muskrat Dam Fire Sends Two To Hospital

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Two people from Muskrat Dam First Nation are in a Winnipeg Hospital Burn Centre in stable condition following a Thursday morning house fire in the remote northern community.

The Independent First Nations Alliance says the victims suffered first and second degree burns to their hands, arms, chests, and backs.

The husband and wife were the only ones inside the two-story home and were able to escape on their own.

The cause of the fire is unknown and smoke alarms were installed but it’s not clear if they were working properly or if they even alerted the two.

Two other homes suffered some smoke damage and the fire response was hampered by a community-wide power outage and bad weather keeping an air ambulance from landing.

Muskrat Dam is located about 370-kilometres north of Sioux Lookout.

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Local Health Authority Now In Charge Of Contact Tracing

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The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority is now in control of case management and contact tracing of COVID-19.

The responsibility has been handed over by Indigenous Services Canada.

Officials say the 31 member communities can expect coordinated, culturally appropriate services in a timely manner during the pandemic.

They add the Authority will be able to respond quickly to minimize the spread of the virus and ensure the protection of its service population.

It’s seen as an important step in moving towards the organizations vision of a public health system that is First Nations governed and managed.

SLFNHA Board Chair John Cutfeet says “this is a recognition of the years of hard work and dedication of the SLFNHA team in building up a public health system to prevent infectious diseases.”

Cutfeet notes “This comes at the most critical time as SLFNHA works with its partners to respond during the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that best meets the needs of the communities.”

Contact tracing is used to identify, assist, and monitor people who have been in close contact with someone who has been infected with a virus, including COVID-19, as these individuals are at a higher risk of becoming infected.

It can help limit further spread and plays a vital role in protecting communities.

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PPE Drive For First Nations Communities

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A ‘Masks In Every Community’ campaign is underway to gather personal protective equipment for First Nations communities in northern Ontario.

V-I-O Volunteers Chief Executive Officer Claudine Santos says part of the initiative includes raising at least $100,000 through a GoFundMe page.

Santos says First Nations health officials have indicated a need for 1.8 million masks, 20,000 face shields and 200,000 disposable gowns.

“I know that this is a difficult time to be asking for money. I’m hoping that the people who are lucky enough to still be working are the people who have some reserve money to be able to give.”

Santos says they have teamed up with North Star Air and North West Company’s and recently shipped 2,000 masks and 150 face shields out of Thunder Bay to Matawa member communities.

To make a donation visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/masksineverycommunity

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