Remote northern Manitoba reserve in crisis after fire, suicides: chief – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
Nov 15, 2016

WINNIPEG _ A Manitoba grand chief says a remote First Nation is still in crisis after fire destroyed the community’s only grocery store and band office.

Sheila North Wilson, who represents northern First Nations, says Shamattawa has been in a state of emergency since the fire in September. The reserve 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg has been rocked by a recent suicide and continues to suffer a chronic housing shortage, she says.

North Wilson says there are 161 homes for a population of more than 1,400 people. Each home houses an average of nine people.

“The community is doing its best; however, they need government support,” North Wilson with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak said in a release Tuesday.

Shamattawa residents were left without supplies or emergency services when the blaze erupted Sept. 22. It gutted the Northern Store as well as the adjacent band office, radio station and 911 centre. Manitoba RCMP have said the fire was caused by six children, five of whom were under 12. One 12-year-old boy is facing arson charges.

Band Councillor Liberty Redhead said the community’s challenges have become more pronounced since the fire. Young people have had their school gym and recreation centre taken away because the space is being used as a temporary store. One mother of two recently committed suicide.

“We have been in a state of emergency since losing major infrastructure in our community due to a fire in September. This is on top of already existing conditions we have to deal with that together are affecting the well-being of our community,” Redhead said.

“Suicide is a major issue. We do not want to lose any more of our people.”

The First Nation says there has been one suicide and 92 attempts so far this year. In 2015, there were 99 attempts and six deaths from suicide.

Redhead and North Wilson say the First Nation needs long-term help from the federal government.

They say the community buildings and equipment lost in the fire need to be replaced immediately. Any plan must take into account that the reserve is accessible only by air and winter road, which leaves a short window for supplies to be transported.

“We need concrete long-term solutions for the people of Shamattawa,” North Wilson said.

A spokesperson for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

_ By Chinta Puxley in Edmonton

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