KASHECHEWAN FIRST NATION – Residents in two James Bay area First Nations will spend about a month at traditional hunting camps again this year to escape spring flooding risk, rather than face potential evacuation to Northern Ontario cities.
Nearly 2,000 residents from the Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nations are expected to self-isolate in temporary shelters on higher ground during the spring break-up of the Albany River, which has prompted nearly annual evacuations over the past decade.
The “On the Land” initiative, launched by the two First Nations last year, was intended to help avoid COVID-19 risks from evacuation to other communities, while remaining on their traditional territory and supporting activities like food harvesting, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and Indigenous language education.
The federal government said in a release Friday it would offer up to $4.2 million through the Emergency Management Assistance Program to support the move, providing transportation, supplies, and equipment.
"Having the support of the governments allows us, the community, to properly respond to urgent health and safety concerns resulting from annual spring ice break-up and the COVID-19 pandemic while building capacity and remaining aligned with Fort Albany's traditional values,” said Kashechewan Chief Leo Friday.
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) paramedics will provide emergency first response to those isolating on the land, the government said, while anyone choosing to remain in Fort Albany First Nation can access health services through the WAHA hospital there.
Indigenous Services Canada nurses will continue to provide services to those remaining in Kashechewan.
The federal ministry promised it would ensure emergency plans were in place for the safe evacuation of those remaining in the community in the event of flooding.
“Being on the land in traditional hunting camps not only protects members from the risk of flooding and COVID-19 but also gives them an opportunity to reconnect with the land and participate in traditional activities and teachings,” said Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller. “I commend the leadership for this innovative initiative.”
The provincial and federal governments reached a relocation plan with Kashechewan in 2019, agreeing to eventually move the flood-threatened community to higher ground.
