Mushkegowuk Saddened to Hear About Pikangikum Fire

Press Release

(March 31, 2016, Moose Factory, ON): The Mushkegowuk First Nations were shocked to hear about the tragic events in Pikangikum First Nation yesterday. The Mushkegowuk leaders were gathered in Timmins at a regional health summit when they heard the news. The meeting was paused for a time of prayer and reflection led by an Elder.

“It seems beyond all reason that a family of nine people could be lost in such a tragic event. We extend our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the people of Pikangikum as they try to cope with this horrific situation.” said Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon.

Deputy Grand Chief Rebecca Friday added that “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we think of the suffering taking place in Pikangikum right now. We understand how this can affect an entire community from our own experiences.”

Access to adequate fire protection and emergency services are a struggle for all remote communities. A 2010 Federal study found that people living in First Nations are 10 times more likely to die from house fires than the Canadian average.

First Nations in Northern Ontario are facing an ongoing crises due to the dire lack of basic services that protect our rights to health and well-being according to Grand Chief Solomon. “Whether it is firefighting, police services or the health care crises we are discussing in our Summit this week, we see the same impact that years of underfunding and centralized control from Ottawa have had. Our First Nations need real change now.”

“The communities, Council of Chiefs and staff of Mushkegowuk Council stand with

. Pikangikum in this dark time and we offer our support and we will assist them in any way that we can over the coming days.” said Solomon.

ILR5