Summer Beaver, ON – A state of emergency has been declared in Ninamik First Nation. Chief Sheldon Oskineegish and council say the lack of power is seriously limiting the community’s ability to be prepared in case of coronavirus.
The community is responding to a failing diesel generating system in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic—Ninamik First Nation Chief Sheldon Oskineegish and Council have declared a State of Emergency (SOE) effective at 5:00 pm EST on May 13, 2020.
In a letter dated May 13, 2020, the community outlines how the situation has impacted on their ability to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The letter says “federal and provincial governments must come together to provide funding and emergency management supports in the coming weeks and months in order to position Nibinamik First Nation to respond to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. The approval processes to access supports to upgrade the diesel generator station, stabilizing power supply must be prioritized and streamlined.”
A Band Council Resolution was also passed and forwarded to both levels of government.
