Hundreds of evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation have made their way to Niagara Falls, as the Cree community deals with a prolonged water crisis due to issues at their treatment plant.
With around 1,700 evacuees expected in the city, local authorities and Indigenous groups are working hard to make those affected feel comfortable and welcomed.
As of Friday, at least 600 individuals had already reached Niagara Falls, according to Jo Zambito, chief of the city’s fire department. More arrivals were anticipated later that day despite some delays caused by weather conditions.
The evacuees were flown into Hamilton on Wednesday and Thursday before being transported by bus to Niagara Falls, Zambito explained.
Most of those displaced will stay in Niagara Falls, while others will be relocating to areas like Timmins, Kapuskasing, and Kingston.
Robert Garland is vice-president at Xpera, a risk management company coordinating the evacuation for the community of about 2,300 people located on the northern shore of the Albany River.
Garland has been assisting in moving Kashechewan residents into three different hotels in Niagara Falls.
<p“During this time of year … tourism numbers tend to drop,” he noted. “We haven't faced any issues with capacity here.”
Zambito shared how proud Niagara Falls is to lend a helping hand during tough times.
<p“Niagara Falls is familiar with hosting evacuees,” he said. “We have plenty of space available when there's a need.”
Adrian Sackaney stands outside his home with his son, Adrian Jr. He’s among Kashechewan residents who’ve chosen to stay in the community. He goes daily to the Albany River to cut chunks of ice that when melted can be used as bath water. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)
Melissa Shongo from the centre mentioned they’re organizing drum circles along with haircuts and manicures for evacuees while also providing traditional medicines like sage, sweetgrass, and tobacco when needed.
The centre plans on opening its kitchen so people can prepare traditional meals since hotel facilities might not allow for that kind of cooking easily, Shongo added.
Problems at the water treatment plant in Kashechewan led to people being evacuated from the fly-in community in northern Ontario. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)
Tyson Wesley serves as executive director for Kashechewan First Nation; he reported an outbreak affecting gastrointestinal health within their community. Since tap water isn’t being supplied now, residents who stayed behind are relying on bottled water instead.
CBC Sudbury’s Jonathan Migneault noted during a visit that some locals have even taken ice from nearby sources and melted it for household use.
Northern Waterworks technicians managed repairs at the plant restoring operations but were awaiting lab test results from North Bay before health officials could confirm if it’s safe again for drinking purposes.
Garland stated that Niagara Falls always shines when it comes down to supporting others facing difficulties.
If anyone wants to assist members from Kashechewan currently residing in Niagara Falls area donations such as clothing can be made through Fort Erie Friendship Native Centre.
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Easing Cultural Adjustment
Last year during wildfires in northern Ontario, Niagara Falls welcomed about 3,000 evacuees from First Nations communities across northern Manitoba and Ontario. Many found themselves overwhelmed by city life while staying in hotels. To help Kashechewan evacuees adjust more smoothly to their stay in Niagara Falls, Garland and Zambito connected with local Indigenous organizations like the Fort Erie Friendship Native Centre to address their specific needs.
Adrian Sackaney stands outside his home with his son, Adrian Jr. He’s among Kashechewan residents who’ve chosen to stay in the community. He goes daily to the Albany River to cut chunks of ice that when melted can be used as bath water. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)
Melissa Shongo from the centre mentioned they’re organizing drum circles along with haircuts and manicures for evacuees while also providing traditional medicines like sage, sweetgrass, and tobacco when needed.
The centre plans on opening its kitchen so people can prepare traditional meals since hotel facilities might not allow for that kind of cooking easily, Shongo added.
Ways Others Can Contribute
A state of emergency was declared for Kashechewan on January 4 by Chief Hosea Wesley. Pumps at their water treatment facility were discovered clogged back in early December; they couldn’t mix necessary chemicals for safe drinking water anymore.
Problems at the water treatment plant in Kashechewan led to people being evacuated from the fly-in community in northern Ontario. (Jimmy Chabot/Radio-Canada)
Tyson Wesley serves as executive director for Kashechewan First Nation; he reported an outbreak affecting gastrointestinal health within their community. Since tap water isn’t being supplied now, residents who stayed behind are relying on bottled water instead.
CBC Sudbury’s Jonathan Migneault noted during a visit that some locals have even taken ice from nearby sources and melted it for household use.
Northern Waterworks technicians managed repairs at the plant restoring operations but were awaiting lab test results from North Bay before health officials could confirm if it’s safe again for drinking purposes.
Garland stated that Niagara Falls always shines when it comes down to supporting others facing difficulties.
If anyone wants to assist members from Kashechewan currently residing in Niagara Falls area donations such as clothing can be made through Fort Erie Friendship Native Centre.Source link
