GRFN Press Release on COVOID-19 preventative measures and closures

Press Release

Garden River First Nation takes proactive measures to protect the community in anticipation of the COVID-19

Garden River First Nation, ON, March 16, 2020 – Garden River First Nation Chief & Council held a special meeting via teleconference on March 15, 2020 regarding COVID-19. Our risk for Algoma continues to be LOW, however, Chief & Council are implementing proactive measures for the overall safety of our citizens.

Garden River is implementing social distancing practices to reduce transmission of infection and therefore, Garden River Chief & Council has ordered closure effective March 16, 2020 to April 5, 2020 of the following:

Garden River Child Care Centre

Garden River Bingo Enterprises

Garden River Recreation Centre

Community Centre

All social activities, group programs and events

Garden River First Nation staff who can work from home will do so effective immediately. These departments include Finance & Administration, Economic Resources & Community Development, Housing, Lands & Resources, Membership, Garden River Education Centre, and Garden River Child & Family Services.

Essential services will continue and include the following:

Garden River Fire Department & First Response

Garden River Public Works (Garbage removal, highway maintenance services etc.)

Garden River Water Department

Garden River Wellness Centre/Dan Pine Healing Lodge (restricted accessibility and service)

Niigaaniin and Food Bank (restricted accessibility and service)

To access services during closure, please see department contacts.

During this difficult situation, Garden River will continue to work with our Health Department and COVID-19 task force team to deal with ongoing matters and events as they unfold. We encourage you to please take time to read the handouts from the Wellness Centre as it is important that we take preventative measures to limit exposure of COVID-19 in our