Emergency Medical Evacuation Underway
THUNDER BAY – The ongoing medical emergency in Kashechewan is continuing. Member of Parliament Charlie Angus shares, “We had an excellent phone conference this morning to look into the crisis with regional leaders, medical experts and government officials. There is an emergency evacuation underway of the sixteen most serious cases”.
Angus, the Timmins James Bay New Democrat MP says, “Medical teams will be going into Kashechewan tomorrow to examine all the children. Nurses will begin a health awareness campaign”.
“We are now setting up a follow-up meeting to look at issues of infrastructure — water safety, black mould and the issue of whether the sewage lagoon is leaking into the water system. This crisis wasn’t accidental — it is systemic,” added Angus.
“There must be a commitment to build the infrastructure and health services so the children in the northern communities can grow up healthy, safe and hopeful.”
Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day states, “The ministers comments about this not being about water should be checked out; it was just today that we heard about impacts of high chlorination clashing with skin ailments, from medical personnel on an emergency call with the community”.
“We know that if the water is requiring high chlorination, the raw water may be impacted by the sewage lagoon breach that was verified by the community today. This scenario is much more complex than to cancel out water as one of the root causes,” explained Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day.
“Another unsettling aspect to the situation is Kashechewan is the high number of these skin ailments in children, yet the public health system in the community and the Health Canada bureaucracy has not invoked swift measures to respond in a direct and urgent manner. One has to wonder, if this case was in rural southern Ontario, if the response would be more immediate,” questioned Regional Chief Day.
Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler states, “It is heart wrenching to see the pictures of these children from Kashechewan. My immediate reaction when I saw them was as a parent…just send a plane up there to go pick them up so they can receive the medical assistance that they so desperately need. Which is exactly what we did over the weekend”.
Grand Chief Fiddler says, “Since then federal government officials have come on board and are now working with the community to evacuate all the other children that may require immediate treatment”.
“At the same time, a medical team will be travelling to the community and conduct house to house visits and assess all the children and youth in the community”.
“While it is encouraging to see the federal and provincial governments take immediate action on the medical crisis of these children, they also have an obligation to examine the broader social determinants, for example, access to clean drinking water, quality health care and adequate housing and to work in partnership with the community to begin addressing these issues,” added the Grand Chief.
Grand Chief Fiddler adds, “We are committed to working closely with the community to ensure that their immediate needs are addressed while working towards longer term solutions”.
“We are praying for the full recovery of the children that have been evacuated,” concluded the Grand Chief.
The Kashechewan First Nation is a Cree First Nation band government located near James Bay in Northern Ontario, Canada. The community is located on the northern shore of the Albany River. Kashechewan First Nation is one of two communities that were established from Old Fort Albany (now the Fort Albany 67 Indian Reserve.
The water crisis is coming before the spring break up that usually impacts Kashechewan and Attawapiskat in Northern Ontario.
Water Issues in Northern Ontario
As of January 31, 2016, there were 135 Drinking Water Advisories in effect in 86 First Nation communities across Canada, excluding British Columbia.
First Nation | Community | System Name | Type of Advisory | Date Set (YYYY/MM/DD) |
Date Revoked (YYYY/MM/DD) |
Population |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moose Factory | ||||||
Albany | Fort Albany | FT Albany Public Water System | BWA | 2016/01/21 | 2016/01/28 | 1001-5000 people |
Taykwa Tagamou Nation | Taykwa Tagamou | Taykwa Tagamou Public Water System | BWA | 2011/04/14 | None | 0-100 people |
Weenusk | Peawanuck | Peawanuck Public Water System | BWA | 2006/02/15 | None | 101-500 people |
Sioux Lookout | ||||||
Bearskin Lake | Bearskin Lake | Bearskin Lake Community Centre/Youth Centre Semi-Public Water System | DNC | 2006/03/21 | None | unknown |
Bearskin Lake | Bearskin Lake | Bearskin Lake Public Water System | BWA | 2015/11/24 | None | 101-500 people |
Cat Lake | Cat Lake | Cat Lake Children’s Healing Centre Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2006/10/13 | None | unknown |
Cat Lake | Cat Lake | Cat Lake Northern Store Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2007/03/20 | None | unknown |
Deer Lake | Deer Lake (2) | Nursing Station Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2001/11/01 | None | unknown |
Eabametoong | Eabametoong | Eabametoong Public Water System | BWA | 2001/08/01 | None | 1001-5000 people |
Koocheching | Koocheching | Koocheching Public Water System | BWA | 2009/10/19 | None | 0-100 people |
Lac Seul | Kejick Bay | Kejick Bay Public Water System | BWA | 2003/02/14 | None | unknown |
Lac Seul | Whitefish Bay | Whitefish Bay Public Water System | BWA | 2015/05/19 | 2016/01/22 | unknown |
Mishkeegogamang | Mishkeegogamang | New Plant Public Water System | BWA | 2016/01/08 | None | 1001-5000 people |
Mishkeegogamang | Mishkeegogamang | Ten Houses Public Water System | BWA | 2015/03/09 | None | 101-500 people |
Muskrat Dam Lake | Muskrat Dam | Muskrat Dam Public Water System | BWA | 2003/10/24 | None | 101-500 people |
Neskantaga | Neskantaga | Neskantaga Public Water System | BWA | 1995/02/01 | None | 101-500 people |
Nibinamik | Nibinamik | Nibinamik Public Water System | BWA | 2013/02/05 | None | 101-500 people |
North Spirit Lake | North Spirit Lake | North Spirit Lake Public Water System | BWA | 2001/08/01 | None | 101-500 people |
Ojibway Nation of Saugeen | Saugeen | Saugeen school Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2015/02/20 | None | unknown |
Pikangikum | Pikangikum | Pikangikum Public Water System | BWA | 2006/01/24 | None | 1001-5000 people |
Pikangikum | Pikangikum | Police Station Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2006/09/21 | None | unknown |
Sandy Lake | Sandy Lake | Sandy Lake Public Water System | BWA | 2002/10/10 | None | 1001-5000 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Band office/Clinic Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | unknown |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 1 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 2 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 3 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 4 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 5 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 6 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 7 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 8 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Pumphouse No. 9 Public Water System | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | 0-100 people |
Slate Falls Nation | New Slate Falls | Warehouse Semi-Public Water System (Non-transient) | BWA | 2004/07/07 | None | unknown |
Wabauskang | Wabauskang | Wabauskang Public Water System | BWA | 2014/12/15 | None | 101-500 people |
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | Wabigoon | Wabigoon Public Water System | BWA | 2015/12/08 | 2016/01/15 | 101-500 people |
Wawakapewin | Long Dog | Long Dog Public Water System | BWA | 2004/03/03 | None | 0-100 people |
Southern | ||||||
Alderville | Alderville | Alderville Anishnaa Kwewag Gamig Services Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2016/01/28 | None | unknown |
Alderville | Alderville | Alderville Community Centre/Daycare Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2013/05/29 | None | unknown |
Alderville | Alderville | Alderville Elders Complex Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2016/01/18 | None | unknown |
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan | Golden Lake | Makwa Development Corporation Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2008/07/11 | None | unknown |
Curve Lake | Curve Lake | Curve Lake Public Water System | BWA | 2016/01/06 | None | 101-500 people |
Curve Lake | Curve Lake | Curve Lake Small Business Centre Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2015/08/14 | None | unknown |
Hiawatha | Hiawatha | Hiawatha Park Campground Semi-Public Water System (Transient) | BWA | 2008/07/07 | None | unknown |
Hiawatha | Hiawatha | Hiawatha Church Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2015/06/11 | None | unknown |
Mississauga’s of Scugog Island | Scugog | Scugog Apartments Well House 3 Public Water System | BWA | 2008/10/23 | None | 0-100 people |
Mississauga’s of Scugog Island | Scugog | Scugog Band Office Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2008/10/23 | None | unknown |
Mississauga’s of Scugog Island | Scugog | Scugog Community Water System 1 Public Water System | BWA | 2008/10/23 | None | 0-100 people |
Mississauga’s of Scugog Island | Scugog | Scugog Community Water System 2 Public Water System | BWA | 2008/10/23 | None | 0-100 people |
Mississauga’s of Scugog Island | Scugog | Scugog Health Centre Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2008/10/23 | None | unknown |
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Tyendinaga | All MBQ Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2008/06/06 | None | unknown |
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Tyendinaga | All MBQ Semi-Public Water System (Transient) | BWA | 2008/06/06 | None | unknown |
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Tyendinaga | MBQ Airport Public Water System | BWA | 2003/10/17 | None | 0-100 people |
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Tyendinaga | MBQ Bayview Variety Apartments Public Water System | BWA | 2008/06/06 | None | 0-100 people |
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Tyendinaga | MBQ Clifford Maracle’s Well Public Water Supply | BWA | 2012/01/20 | None | 0-100 people |
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Tyendinaga | MBQ Mohawk Bible College Public Water System | BWA | 2008/06/06 | None | 0-100 people |
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte | Tyendinaga | MBQ Trailer Park Public Water System | BWA | 2008/06/06 | None | 0-100 people |
Wahta Mohawk | Wahta PWS | Administration/ Community Centre Semi-Public Water System | DNC | 2013/09/11 | None | unknown |
Thunder Bay | ||||||
Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum | Wauzhushk Onigum – Rat Portage | Bald Indian Bay Public Water System | BWA | 2012/05/11 | None | 0-100 people |
Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum | Wauzhushk Onigum – Rat Portage | Migisi Treatment System Semi-Public Water System (Non-Transient) | BWA | 2008/05/26 | None | unknown |
Animakee Wa Zhing #37 | Animakee Wa Zhing #37 Regina Bay | Regina Bay Public Water System | BWA | 2002/09/26 | None | 101-500 people |
Animakee Wa Zhing #37 | Animakee Wa Zhing #37 Windigo Island | Windigo Island Public Water System | BWA | 2015/02/09 | None | 0-100 people |
Aroland | Aroland | Aroland Public Water System | BWA | 2015/12/12 | 2016/01/15 | 101-500 people |
Aroland | Aroland | O’Sullivan Lake Gas Bar Semi-Public Water System | BWA | 2008/09/04 | None | unknown |
Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek | Rocky Bay First Nation | Rocky Bay Public Water System | BWA | 2015/08/10 | None | 101-500 people |
Chapleau Cree | Chapleau Cree | Chapleau Cree Public Water System | BWA | 2015/09/23 | 2015/10/16 | 0-100 people |
Constance Lake | Constance Lake | Constance Lake Public Water System | BWA | 2014/04/10 | None | 501-1000 people |
Grassy Narrows | Grassy Narrows First Nation | Grassy Narrows Public Water System | BWA | 2014/06/27 | None | 501-1000 people |
Grassy Narrows | Grassy Narrows First Nation | Mission Well Public Water System | DNC | 2013/05/24 | None | 0-100 people |
Grassy Narrows | Grassy Narrows First Nation | Snake Point Well Public Water System | DNC | 2013/05/24 | None | 0-100 people |
Grassy Narrows | Grassy Narrows First Nation | Teacherage Well Public Water System | DNC | 2013/05/24 | None | 0-100 people |
Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek | Gull Bay | Gull Bay Public Water System | BWA | 2009/04/30 | None | 101-500 people |
Marten Falls | Marten Falls First Nation | Marten Falls Public Water System | BWA | 2005/07/18 | None | 101-500 people |
Naotkamegwanning | Naotkamegwanning | Whitefish Bay Public Water System | BWA | 2015/08/31 | None | 101-500 people |
Northwest Angle No. 33 | N.W. Angle 33 Angle Inlet | East Pumphouse Plant Public Water System | BWA | 2011/04/11 | None | 0-100 people |
Northwest Angle No. 33 | N.W. Angle 33 Angle Inlet | Elsie Blackhawk Pumphouse Public Water System | BWA | 2011/04/11 | None | 0-100 people |
Northwest Angle No. 33 | N.W. Angle 33 Angle Inlet | West Pumphouse Plant Public Water System | BWA | 2011/04/11 | None | 0-100 people |
Obashkaanda Gaang | Washagamis Bay | Washagamis Bay East Public Water System | BWA | 2008/12/19 | None | 0-100 people |
Obashkaanda Gaang | Washagamis Bay | Washagamis Bay West Public Water System | BWA | 2008/12/19 | None | 0-100 people |
Pic Mobert | Pic Mobert | Pic Mobert North – Upper Reserve Public Water System | BWA | 2010/01/29 | None | unknown |
Pic Mobert | Pic Mobert | Pic Mobert South – Lower Reserve Public Water System | BWA | 2008/02/26 | None | 101-500 people |
Serpent River | Serpent River | Serpent River Public Water System (2015) | BWA | 2015/09/01 | None | unknown |
Shoal Lake No. 40 | Shoal Lake No. 40 | Pumphouse No. 1 Public Water System | BWA | 1997/02/18 | None | 0-100 people |
Shoal Lake No. 40 | Shoal Lake No. 40 | Pumphouse No. 2 Public Water System | BWA | 1997/02/18 | None | 0-100 people |
Shoal Lake No. 40 | Shoal Lake No. 40 | Pumphouse No. 3 Public Water System | BWA | 1997/02/18 | None | 0-100 people |
Shoal Lake No. 40 | Shoal Lake No. 40 | Pumphouse No. 4 Public Water System | BWA | 1997/02/18 | None | 0-100 people |
Shoal Lake No. 40 | Shoal Lake No. 40 | Pumphouse No. 5 Public Water System | BWA | 1997/02/18 | None | 0-100 people |
Shoal Lake No. 40 | Shoal Lake No. 40 | Pumphouse No. 9 Public Water System | BWA | 1997/02/18 | None | 0-100 people |
Shoal Lake No. 40 | Shoal Lake No. 40 | School Pumphouse Public Water System | BWA | 1997/02/18 | None | 0-100 people |