Independent First Nation Alliance Facebook page
Leadership in Pikangikum says there is still no resolution from government and authorities on next steps almost two weeks after Provincial Police were told to leave the remote northern community.
Chief Dean Owen says the community is looking for its own solutions and are more resolved to act quickly towards running their own standalone Police service.
Owen says they are also exploring operating their own Community Health Care operation due to the disruption of nursing and health care in the First Nation.
He notes these systems are tied to each other at the government level, leaving them helpless, calling the situation out of control and unacceptable.
Over the weekend, the Community’s Tribal Council sent in nurses and health professionals to temporarily assist the community.
Independent First Nation Alliance CEO Mathew Hoppe says, “With no resolution in sight, the Community is looking at any and all options. Can you imagine the government shutting down your hospital services in the evenings and overnight because your Police Force wasn’t available? This is the situation in Pikangikum right now.”
Hoppe adds, “Our job as a Tribal Council is to support and fill gaps. The loss of these essential services certainly qualifies as a huge health and safety gap and the community is looking to us for assistance. We encourage any available nurses to visit IFNA and express their interest in assisting as temporary nurses in Pikangikum while a more permanent solution is found.”
