January 25, 2024
NationTalk: Missanabie Cree First Nation ISN Maskwa (“MCISNM”) and Kashechewan First Nation (“KFN”) are pleased to announce they have agreed to work in collaboration and utilize each other’s services exclusively during emergencies facing Northern Ontario First Nations. This is a groundbreaking first step in an Indigenous-led approach to First Nations supporting First Nations in crisis. Between the two, the following services can be provided:
- Incident Management including Unified Incident Command
- Community Safety Personnel and Uniformed Security
- Transportation including bussing and air services
- Flight coordination
- Catering
- Accommodations
KFN has also announced they will not be using the Provincial Emergency Operations Coordination Centre (“PEOC”). They will engage MCISNM’s Indigenous Emergency Operations Centre (“IEOC”) to coordinate the anticipated spring flood evacuation that occurs every year due to the Albany River ice break up. KFN will be managing their own operations through funding agreements with Canada. This First Nations initiative will ensure a stronger regional representation and effective resource management for Northern Ontario Indigenous people.
This collaboration is truly the first step towards First Nations managing their own emergencies. Both First Nations are making their collective services available to other communities if needed.
MCISNM is an Indigenous-led organization that is owned by Missanabie Cree First Nation. MCISNM core business pillar is to provide Indigenous communities with a single point contact for evacuations and emergency response, investigations, trainings, security, and community safety and well-being planning. MCISNM is also home to Canada’s first Indigenous Emergency Operations Centre, located in Sault Ste. Marie on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek.
For further information or to speak to Chief Jason Gauthier or Chief Gaius Wesley, please contact ISN Maskwa Media Coordinator Jane Martynuck at jmartynuck@isninc.ca or cell at 705-941-8161.