The union representing paramedics in the Kenora District has released a statement on the September 15 death of a community member on the Onigaming First Nation.
A thorough investigation is underway after a Northwest EMS ambulance was dispatched and waited on the edge of the community waiting for police to arrive.
In the meantime, one person died.
In a release, Derek Hamilton and Nicole Runge of Canadian Union of Public Employees 5911 say the union is fully cooperating with the important investigation while supporting frontline paramedics through a difficult time.
They stress that they are deeply saddened by the tragic death.
CUPE is also calling on all levels of government for immediate investment in underserved Northern communities to help address poverty, homelessness and addictions issues that often lead to crisis situations.
Officials add, “We also continue to be mindful of the systemic racism and historical impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities and families, further worsened by decades of underfunding and poor access to health care and social programs.”
Hamilton and Runge both stress that the union is committed to working with Indigenous leaders as part of a catalyst for change.
