KENORA – Ogichidaa Kavanaugh expressed a deep sense of shock and sadness with the tragedy that has happened at Big Grassy First Nation. On Monday morning the Office of the Ogichidaa and Grand Council Treaty#3 was alerted to a boating tragedy that involved community members from Big Grassy First Nation. “I want to share my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families and to the community on behalf of the Anishinaabe nation in Treaty#3. The men will all be remembered for their contribution to the family, community and their dedication and sharing of culture and traditional lifestyle. Your families’ grief is shared across the territory and our collective hearts are heavy with the news of the magnitude of the loss.” stated Ogichidaa Kavanaugh.
“I want to commend the hard work of the first responders who had to work in such adverse weather conditions to recover the victims and the immediate response of the regional health organizations who sent in crisis workers and staff to provide mental health support services. I know that the families, community of Big Grassy First Nation we will recover from this tragedy, our citizens are strong and resilient and the Treaty#3 leadership supports them in their healing and in securing any resources needed from government to assist them in their healing journey”, stated Ogichidaa Kavanaugh.
Ogichidaa Kavanaugh added, “I also want to acknowledge the emotional distress of the family of Bradley Kirkrude Jr. of Big Island First Nation who was reported missing on October 8, 2018, and has not been found. Anyone with information should contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or the Rainy River District OPP Detachment.
