FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Access to Fort William First Nation will not be closed to the public, at least for now. But Chief Peter Collins says that step remains a real possibility in the coming days as the First Nation looks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into its community.
In the meantime, the First Nation’s band council has passed a resolution to implement a curfew. That will begin Wednesday evening and run between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. That will impact some businesses that currently stay open beyond those hours.
Collins released a statement Monday afternoon warning the community would close to the general public, allowing only members and community members in, with exceptions for those who work on reserve. At a meeting Monday night, band council did not approve that step. But Collins says it’s still a very real possibility.
“We could have done it last night, but we want see how it goes in the coming days here, then council will make a hard decision that has to be made,” he said Tuesday. “Other communities are doing it today.”
Collins said First Nations leadership were speaking with stakeholders including local businesses and Thunder Bay mayor Bill Mauro “so that we’re not creating confrontation when we do decide to implement full closure of Fort William.”
Collins said he is meeting with Mauro and city manager Norm Gale Tuesday afternoon to discuss issues like access to Chippewa Park.
He also says he will meet with community business owners in the coming days. While the chief said many have been supportive, he acknowledged others have voiced concerns.
“I understand some of their concerns,” Collins said. “At the same time, they have to understand our concerns – and first and foremost is the safety of members of our community.”
