Chief Advocates for Enhanced Fire Support Amid Ongoing Case

WARNING: This story contains disturbing details.

Nearly seven years after a woman and four children tragically lost their lives in a house fire in northwestern Ontario, and with sentencing approaching for a man convicted of second-degree murder, the chief of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) expresses that the First Nation’s firefighting resources are still lacking.

Donny Morris stated that the remote Oji-Cree community, located around 580 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, currently has a fire truck and a fire hall but requires more space. The chief also mentioned the need for ongoing funding and permanent staffing for health care and emergency services – including paramedics, nurses, mental health counselors, and housing for them.

“It all boils down [to], is the willingness to work from the governments, both levels of government, is it there? Are they willing to commit? Are they willing to meet?” Morris said.

“They have busy schedules they set for their southern counterparts – businesses, banks, industry – but no time for us. No time for us little Indians up north.”

The fire on May 2, 2019, led to the deaths of: 

Geraldine Chapman, 47. Shyra Chapman, 6. Hailey Chapman, 7. Karl Cutfeet, 9. Angel Mc Kay, 12.

The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and Office of the Chief Coroner determined that smoke inhalation was the cause of their deaths.

Archie Mc Kay, Geraldine’s on-again-off-again partner was charged in December 2020 with five counts of first-degree murder.

This past April, Justice John S. Fregeau found Mc Kay guilty of second-degree murder “in relation to the culpable homicides of Geraldine Chapman, Angel Mc Kay,[Karl] Cutfeet , Hailey Chapman and Shyra Chapman,” according to court documents obtained by .

We need funding to make sure things like this do not happen again in our community.- Chief Donny Morris , Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

Sentencing submissions were heard at the Superior Court of Justice in Kenora last Wednesday. Sentencing is scheduled for March 23 at 10 a. m. in Kenora before Fregeau , Crown prosecutor James Cavanagh told . 

Geraldine and Mc Kay were Shyra’s biological parents. The other children who died in the fire lived with Chapman and were under her care.

The tragic event in 2019 prompted KI to declare a state of emergency due to mental health issues stemming from these losses. At that time , the First Nation did not have an established fire department.

‘Make sure you cherish your children’

Indigenous people face more than five times higher odds of dying in fires compared to non-Indigenous individuals , according to data from the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council.

“That number increases to over ten times for First Nations people living on reserves,” states their website.

K I is one among five communities represented by the Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA). Morris mentioned that IFNA staff have been tirelessly advocating for additional resources for KI , but progress has been slow.

Chief Donny Morris of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug is seen at a news conference at Queen’s Park in Toronto in 2023. Morris emphasizes that both provincial and federal governments need to improve their support for his community. (Heather Waldron/CBC)

“We need funding to make sure things like this do not happen again in our community,” Morris stated. “It’s frustrating when you go home at the end of the day and nothing’s moving.”

About 1 ,200 individuals reside in KI – similar to Ignace Township’s population in northwestern Ontario. Efforts are underway here as well aimed at building more housing while infrastructure developments occur as Nuclear Waste Management Organization eyes nearby sites as potential locations for burying Canada’s nuclear waste.

“You ask yourself,’ What services does Ignace offer compared with what services I have with essentially same population ?’” questioned Morris.

In his view , provincial and federal governments consider KI less important since “it’s just a reserve.”

Indigenous Services Canada responds

received an emailed statement from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) late Wednesday regarding funding allocated towards KI.

“In 2016 , ISC provided funding specifically aimed at constructing a fire hall which wrapped up successfully by mid-2017. The community now possesses its own operational fire truck. I SC contributes $135 ,864 annually towards firefighting efforts along training programs,” spokesperson Eric Head explained.”

Additionally, the community secured $40 ,000 during fiscal year spanning from2025-2026 meant explicitly facilitating implementation related projects involving First Nations Fire Protection Strategy,” he continued.”

Concerning healthcare provisions itself. Head shared how nursing station operates featuring “nine ISC nurses – comprising one head nurse alongside1.5 nurse practitioners plus four dedicated community health nurses as well as another two registered practical nurses.”

Paramedic assistance gets delivered through IFNA while being funded via provincial channels,” he added.”

ISC invested over $2 million since starting point marked within year1979 towards strengthening healthcare infrastructures associated directly impacting outcomes experienced locally,” stated Head further adding it was anticipated receiving$1 million within forthcoming years focused particularly upon enhancing mental wellness programming delivered closely knit communities! ”

Meanwhile, Morris expressed how court proceedings connected with Mc Kay had deeply affected residents living throughout town!

“When we look at that orange symbol representing Every Child Matters, it resonates deeply ! ” he reflected.”Make sure you cherish your children because what we’re enduring right now regarding these families, siblings, aunts, and uncles-they’re genuinely suffering following loss suffered within those precious young lives!”

Mental wellness support options exist available anyone impacted surrounding matters relating missing murdered Indigenous peoples offering immediate emotional help crisis intervention accessible round clock through national hotline reachable via number listed(1-844-413-6649).

Mental health counseling crisis support also remains widely available daily basis throughout week hours utilizing Hope Wellness hotline can be contacted either through phone system or online chat platform accessed via link www. hopeforwellness. ca.

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