QUEEN’S PARK – Young people and family members suffering from trauma following the tragic fire in the First Nations community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), need immediate mental health support, said Sol Mamakwa, NDP MPP for Kiiwetinoong.
The devastating fire claimed the lives of five community members, a mother and four of her children, all under the age of 13. Chief Donny Morris issued a Declaration of Emergency because of the fire’s impacts on the community.
“Using Jordan’s Principle, will this government help the community’s youth who are most affected by the fire and need adequate mental health supports?” Mamakwa asked Premier Doug Ford.
The fire in KI is the latest to claim lives in a First Nation community. Fires in Pikangikum, Mishkeegogamang and Wunnumin Lake also had tragic outcomes. Members of First Nations communities are 10 times more likely to die in a house fire than people living in the rest of Canada.
“It’s not enough to feel bad and have moments of silence,” said Mamakwa. “Actions must be taken to make events like this less likely. To ensure that the tragedies stop, will this government commit to working with First Nations to improve fire safety in our communities?”
