BY HEATHER CAMPBELL
The aboriginal community is rallying to ensure the Kashechewan people evacuated to Sudbury are getting what they need while they are displaced from their own community. Last Friday more than 60 people from both aboriginal and non-aboriginal organizations met to discuss what could be done to get necessary provisions such as appropriate food, clothing and housing for the 243 Kashechewan community members relocated to Sudbury.
![]() |
Cara Dostal, a pediatric nurse, paramedic Jodie Pritchard and Dr. Rob Lepage are helping the Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT), which has been deployed to treat evacuees from Kashechewan. The 56-bed mobile hospital, temporarily located at Sudbury Airport, was purchased by the province after the SARS crisis. |
The N?Swakamok Native Friendship Centre is the evacuation effort headquarters. It is receiving overwhelming support from the community, said president Julie Ozawagosh. The centre is asking for cash donations to cover the costs for volunteer drivers, clothing and food.
The Red Cross had been organizing the emergency response, however, local aboriginal organizations took the situation into their own hands and put a call out to the aboriginal community across the province to support evacuees.
Ed Sackaney, co-ordinator, says that support is coming from all over the province. ?Nipissing First Nation is talking about sending moose meat, fish, and perhaps a cash donation. Communities on Manitoulin Island are sending food, clothing and opening their homes. First Nations around Hamilton are
offering medical supplies.?
More Cree translators are needed and the North Bay Friendship Centre has offered assistance.
Marilyn Sutherland, a Constance Lake First Nation member, has been volunteering with translation since evacuees arrived last week.
?Whenever there is an emergency or crises, our people come together naturally. In our communities, we have natural helpers, people you can count
on.?
She says it?s heartbreaking to see her people so stressed. Many of the evacuees are feeling powerless, lost and don?t like what is happening to them.
Sutherland urges Sudburians to try to understand the fear and uncertainty these families are feeling and to look from their heart and not from the misinformation we often carry about native people.
?This is actually an opportunity for Sudbury to learn about the First Nation Cree people,? she says, Monetary donations can be made directly to the N?Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, 110 Elm St. between 9 am and 5 pm, or phone 674-2128 or 690-5516. Receipts for donations will be provided.