VERMILION BAY – Doug Ford’s government must help Kiiwetinoong First Nations to contain COVID-19, said Sol Mamakwa, NDP Official Opposition Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation critic.
The community of Eabametoong is working urgently to contain the virus after a second case of COVID-19 was found. The Wabaseemoong Independent Nation is also trying to control the spread of the virus, after a positive case was found on the First Nation this week.
“The province must immediately support the communities of Eabametoong and Wabaasemoong in their efforts to contain COVID-19,” said Mamakwa.
"We commend the culturally appropriate work of Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, and call on the Ford government to provide the resources they need to do their urgent work.
“First Nations communities are especially vulnerable to the virus, as many do not have access to safe clean drinking water, and live in over-crowded housing conditions. These issues become compounded when communities are grappling with the deaths of community members, not related to COVID-19 due to substandard health care and mental health services.”