Kashechewan First Nation has declared an emergency state as the threat of spring floods is coming over the community on the coast of James Bay in northern Ontario.
In a public notice shared with the members of the community in social networks, the head of the first Kashechewan nation, Hosea Wesley, said that the evacuations of children, elderly and vulnerable residents would begin on Monday.
Wesley confirmed that the information with CBC News, adding the ice in the river has not yet broken.
“Currently arrangements are being made to support our vulnerable populations,” said the notice. “Evacuation flights are being prepared, and we can confirm that Timmins will organize 250 evacuated.”
Kashechhewan faces almost all springs due to the breaking of ice on the Albany river. As a result, a precautionary evacuation program, which sees hundreds housed in hotel rooms in cities and towns to the south.
The Federal Government has promised to transfer the entire community of 2,000 people to a new location by 2029.
Evacuation effort underway
Isn Maskwa, an indigenous emergency services agency, leads this week’s evacuation effort.
“With Kashechewan in particular, they refer to themselves as the connoisseurs of evacuation, half -joke, but that is an unfortunate part of their lives every year of having to contemplate the evacuation,” said Joseph Sayer, an interim CEO of Isn Maskwa.
Sayer said the agency works with Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health to determine the ability of local health systems to support people with medical needs, ensuring that selected sites can adequately meet vulnerable evacuated with specific health requirements.
“Today we are looking for at least one flight with probably between 45 and 50 people. In the next few days, depending on the weather, we will probably see that another 100 or more leave the community to Timmins,” he said.
Other possible communities that could organize evacuated include Val Rita-Harty, Kapuskasing, Sault Ste. Marie and Kirkland Lake, according to Sayer. He added that some of the residents in Kashechewan decided that they will remain on earth and do not require evacuation.
“The priority is the vulnerable at this point. If the threat of flooding becomes more imminent and severe, and the determination is that it is certain that no one is left behind, then there may be a complete evacuation of the community.”
Sayer explained that the indigenous services of Canada (ISC) have the main responsibility for financing and Isn Maskwa works in close collaboration with ISC to predict the budget for evacuations. Ontario emergency management also provides funds and the Red Cross is also helping.
He said that the evacuees will be transported to a motel or hotel with sufficient common space for large meetings of community members, with an approach in providing culturally appropriate support and services.
“You cannot say enough about the importance of the first evacuations and wraps led by the country. It makes the stay in these other sites much more comfortable.”
