FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION – Chief Peter Collins has announced his intention to close Fort William First Nation to the general public. Collins made the announcement via press release and a video posted on the community’s Facebook page Monday afternoon.
In a statement, Collins said the measure would mean only First Nation members and those that live on the reserve, as well as those who work in the community and have offices located there would be allowed in once the policy takes effect.
However, business owners on City Road said this move would only affect Mission Road, and that they would be allowed to stay open and serve the general public.
Collins said the policy still needs to be debated at a band council meeting Monday evening, and would require a formal resolution to come into force.
“We will announce the date this will [be] effective in the coming days and are announcing this today so that those that are affected by this can start to prepare,” Collins said.
The First Nation is looking at developing vehicle tags for those who work in the community and says it will be in contact with businesses that work on the reserve.
No further details on when the policy will be put in place, how it will be enforced, or any other potential exceptions are available at this time.
This story has been updated to include information about City Road retailers.
