Medical Evacuation of Children

Kashechewan, ON – March 22, 2016 – On March 21, 2016 various representatives from Health Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, Mushkegowuk Council, federal MP Charlie Angus, and the Chief & Council of Kashechewan First Nation engaged in a teleconference call to discuss the immediate evacuation of children who are affected with open sores and rashes.

At the time of discussions, a total of 16 parents came forward with grave concerns on how the water was affecting the skin of these children. More children have come forward disclosing their conditions. There are a lot of unknown factors relating to the root cause of this epidemic. Chief Leo Friday has identified mould, water, and the failing community infrastructure as likely root causes of the widespread skin infections.

A consensus was reached during the teleconference call to immediately send a team of doctors into the community to assess all children by going door to door, create a public awareness campaign, follow up with another conference call to discuss long-term solutions, and to immediately evacuate children who are affected. Health Canada will be taking the lead in evacuating children who are affected and they will be brought to cities that have the proper medical services to immediately treat the children. Furthermore, water and mould testing will also be conducted in the coming days.

The Chief and Council of Kashechewan First Nation places emphasis on investing in long-term solutions for the community and its members. Chief Leo Friday has made it clear that we will be engaging in discussions with government officials to move forward with a plan to resolve the troubles of this community.

The leadership of Kashechewan would like to remind the media that we do not endorse spokespeople who are not appointed by the Chief & Council. Any communication to Kashechewan First Nation should be forwarded to Chief Leo Friday.

Kashechewan First Nation is a local First Nation government that represents and advocates for the membership. The remote community is situated on the muskeg wetlands of James Bay in northern Ontario.

For more information, contact:

Chief Leo Friday
leo.friday@kfnation.ca
705 275 4440 ext. 210

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