Kitchenuhmaykoosib First Nation – UPDATED – A fire has claimed the lives of five people in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation.
The Chief and Council in a media statement state that the community is in shock. Chief Morris says, “We are in utter disbelief, as every community member is connected and impacted. Today our community mourns this tragic loss.
The identities of the deceased have not been released. The private home on the First Nation was occupied by a single mother with four children. The loss is being felt very hard in KI.
UPDATE: A Go Fund Me Page has been set up for Donations for the community: https://www.gofundme.com/tragic-fire-in-ki
Chief and Council have asked community members and others not to post pictures or speculation on social media.
Bob Nault, Member of Parliament (Kenora riding) released the following statement regarding the tragic loss of lives in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug: “I would like to share my condolences with the friends and families of those lost in the recent house fire. When something like this happens in a community, it affects everyone, including those in nearby communities.
“As we continue to mourn the lives of those lost, I offer my support in this time of unbelievable grief. In the coming days, I know community members will bring strength and support to each other as they work to overcome this tragedy.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon release the following statements following a tragic house fire this morning that is believed to have claimed five lives in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug:
“We were saddened to learn of the tragedy this morning and our prayers are with the victims, their families and the entire community during this difficult time. This is a devastating loss for the community. We have assured Chief and Council that we will support them in any way possible as they grieve in the days and weeks ahead,” stated Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler
“On behalf of the Mushkegowuk Council, Council of Chiefs and our citizens, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the community, the families and to the leadership of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug,” said Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon.
NAN arranged for a team of crisis support workers to be sent to the community this morning.
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, also known as Big Trout Lake First Nation or KI for short, is an Oji-Cree First Nation reserve in Northwestern Ontario and is a part of Treaty 9. The community is about 580 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
More details will be released by KI as they are available.
